An American filmmaker born in 1945, he is renowned for his work as a screenwriter and director. He began his career writing scripts for notable films such as "Slither" and "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension," the latter becoming a cult classic. He also adapted the screenplay for the 1978 version of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." Known for his unique storytelling and genre-blending style, he has left a lasting impact on the science fiction and fantasy film landscape.