Hollywood Director (03:19)

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Brian De Palma is a stylistic filmmaker who places emphasis on the technical and helps actors find new depths. See various clips of his films.

De Palma's Background (04:46)

De Palma grows up in Philadelphia. He attends Columbia University where he becomes interested in filmmaking. He enters the master's program at Sarah Lawrence College, meets Robert De Niro, and makes documentaries and three feature films.

De Palma's Early Films (04:11)

De Palma makes a sequel to "Greetings" in 1970 and begins working with a major studio. He directs "Sisters," "Get to Know Your Rabbit," "Phantom of the Paradise," and "Obsession."

"Carrie" (07:22)

De Palma releases the Stephen King adaptation in 1976 followed by "The Fury" in 1978. De Palma becomes a big name in the industry. He directs "Home Movies" and "Dressed to Kill."

"Blow Out" (02:25)

De Palma and Nancy Allen marry in 1979. They and John Travolta work together on the 1981 thriller film.

Gangster Films (08:09)

De Palma releases a remake of Howard Hawks' "Scarface" in 1983. He directs the controversial "Body Double" before returning to crime films with "Wise Guys" and "The Untouchables."

Divisive Films (05:13)

De Palma's career hits a challenging point. He releases "Casualties of War," "The Bonfire of the Vanities," and "Raising Cain." He changes direction and releases "Carlito's Way" in 1993.

"Mission Impossible" (05:24)

De Palma releases the first of the spy film franchise in 1996. He then directs Nicholas Cage in the thriller "Snake Eyes."

De Palma's Later Films (04:43)

De Palma directs "Mission to Mars," "Femme Fatale," "Passion," and "The Black Dahlia"—based on a true story. Cinematography and planning are integral to De Palma's films.

Credits: Brian De Palma (00:38)

Credits: Brian De Palma