(February 5, 1943- )
Wrote and directed 'The Jericho Mile (1979),' 'Thief (1981),' 'The Keep (1983),' 'Manhunter (1986),' 'L. A. Takedown (1989),' 'The Last of the Mohicans (1992),' 'Heat (1995),' 'The Insider (1999)' and 'Ali (2001)'
Wrote for TV series 'Police Story,' 'Bronk' and 'Miami Vice'

He tries to incorporate numerous trademarks in all of his films. His trademarks are colored lighting, electronic music, scenic water views and the use of a .45 caliber 1911 pistol by one of the characters.
His films are usually about criminals and he often portrays them in a sympathetic light.
His first two feature films were financial and critical disasters.
After failing to impress in films, he returned to television twice in his career.
He owes his successful film career to creating the 'Miami Vice' TV series.
He directed a TV commercial for Mercedes Benz (one of those fake movie trailer ads. It created an uproar when people found out it was a hoax).

He attended London International Film School.
He operates the camera himself in most of his films and shot 60% of the film 'Heat.'
He is a visual director filming amazing scenic shots of coastal America.
He is a very consistent filmmaker.
Despite fierce opposition from Spike Lee (claiming that 'only a black director could do Ali's story justice'), Michael was Will Smith's personal choice to direct 'Ali.'
He was nominated for three Oscars.
He won a Directors Guild of America award (1980).
He won two Emmys (1979, 1990).
He won five major awards and nominated for nearly ten more for his directorial efforts on 'The Insider.'

Credit: The Gent

http://www.amiannoying.com/view.aspx?ID=10780

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For 2009, as of last week, Out of 145 Votes: 75.17% Annoying
In 2008, Out of 31 Votes: 51.61% Annoying
In 2007, Out of 64 Votes: 53.12% Annoying
In 2006, Out of 131 Votes: 44.27% Annoying
In 2005, Out of 214 Votes: 42.06% Annoying
In 2004, Out of 400 Votes: 42.75% Annoying

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