'Todd Haynes' (born
January 2,
1961, in
Encino,
California) is a film director.
His 1987 film, '' (which chronicles the life of American singer
Karen Carpenter using
Barbie dolls as actors) caused
Richard Carpenter to sue him and was removed from distribution.
His 1991 debut, ''
Poison'', based on the writings of
Jean Genet, and partly funded by the
National Endowment for the Arts, was targeted by the
American Family Association's, Rev.
Donald Wildmon as inappropriately federally funded "filth". His second effort, 1995's ''
Safe'', confirmed him as a maverick director capable of dealing with more issues than his new queer cinema tag might indicate.
He also directed the
glam rock inspired ''
Velvet Goldmine'' (1998), and the
Douglas Sirk inspired ''
Far From Heaven'' (2002).
Haynes is a
semiotics graduate of
Brown University, and received an MFA from
Bard College. He currently lives in Portland, Oregon.
Awards & Nominations
★ ''
Poison'' (1991)
★
★
Sundance Film Festival 'Grand Jury Prize Winner - Dramatic'
★
★
Berlin Film Festival 'Teddy Winner - Best Feature Film'
★ ''
Velvet Goldmine'' (1998)
★
★
Cannes Film Festival 'Best Artistic Contribution Winner'
★ ''
Far From Heaven'' (2002)
★
★
Venice Film Festival 'SIGNIS Award Winner - Honourable Mention'
Filmography
Feature Films
★ ''
Poison'' (1991)
★ ''
Safe'' (1995)
★ ''
Velvet Goldmine'' (1998)
★ ''
Far From Heaven'' (2002)
★ ''
I'm Not There'' (2007)
Short Films
★ ''Assassins: A Film Concerning Rimbaud'' (1985)
★ '' (1987)
Television
★ ''Dottie Gets Spanked'' (1993) ''Short''
Music Videos
★ ''
Disappearer'' by
Sonic Youth (1990)
External links
★
★
Senses of Cinema: Great Directors Critical Database
★
The Trouble with Carol: The Costs of Feeling Good in Todd Haynes's Safe and the American Cultural Landscape by Julie Grossman (academic article)
★
ToddHaynes.net : Todd Haynes Fan Community