David O. Russell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David O. Russell
Russell at the Paris premiere of American Hustle in February 2014
Born	(1958-08-20) August 20, 1958 (age 67) United States
Alma mater	Amherst College (B.A.)
Occupation	Film director screenwriter producer
Years active	1987–present
Spouse(s)	Janet Grillo ​ ​ (m. 1992; div. 2007)​
Partner(s)	Holly Davis (2007–present)
Children	2

David Owen Russell (born August 20, 1958) is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer. He is known for making movies that mix comedy and drama. He has won many awards, including two British Academy Film Awards and a Golden Globe Award. He has also been nominated for five Academy Awards.

Russell started his career directing films like Flirting with Disaster (1996) and Three Kings (1999). He became very successful with movies such as The Fighter (2010), Silver Linings Playbook (2012), and American Hustle (2013). These films were popular and praised by critics. They earned him nominations for Best Director at the Academy Awards. He also directed Joy (2015) and Amsterdam (2022).

David O. Russell's Early Life and Education

David Owen Russell grew up in Larchmont, New York. His parents worked for a publishing company. His father was from a Russian-Jewish family, and his mother was Italian-American.

When he was 13, Russell made his first film for a school project. He used a special camera to film people in New York City. He went to Mamaroneck High School, where he was known as the "Class Rebel." He loved movies from a young age. He also started a newspaper in high school and wrote short stories.

In 1981, Russell graduated from Amherst College. He studied English and political science there.

Starting His Career in Film

After college, Russell traveled to Nicaragua and taught in a program to help people learn to read. He worked many different jobs, like waitering and bartending. He also worked as a community organizer in Maine. He used video cameras to show bad housing conditions, which became a documentary.

In 1987, Russell wrote and directed a short film called Bingo Inferno: A Parody on American Obsessions. Two years later, he made another short film called Hairway to the Stars. Both of these short films were shown at the Sundance Film Festival.

His first full-length movie was Spanking the Monkey in 1994. This independent film received good reviews. It won him awards for Best First Screenplay and Best First Feature at the Independent Spirit Awards. It also won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Making Popular Movies

His next film was the comedy Flirting with Disaster (1996). This movie is about a man who travels to find his birth parents. Critics liked the film. Roger Ebert said Russell found the "strong central line" for the story.

David O. Russell at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2011

The success of these films led to Three Kings (1999). This movie is a comedy-drama set during the Gulf War. It starred George Clooney, Mark Wahlberg, and Ice Cube. Russell used special filming techniques to make the movie feel very real. Three Kings was a big success. It earned over $100 million worldwide. Critics praised it for mixing action, drama, and comedy.

Russell's next movie was the comedy I Heart Huckabees (2004). This film received mixed reviews. However, actress Jennifer Lawrence later called it her favorite David O. Russell film.

He also worked on a political comedy called Accidental Love. Production for this film had many delays. Russell stopped working on it in 2010. It was later released in 2015.

Working with Actors and Winning Awards

In 2010, Russell directed The Fighter. This movie is a true story about boxer Mickey Ward. It starred Mark Wahlberg, Melissa Leo, and Christian Bale. The film was a big hit and earned $125 million. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards. Russell was nominated for Best Director. Christian Bale and Melissa Leo won awards for their acting in the film.

Russell directed Jennifer Lawrence to three Academy Award nominations and a win for Silver Linings Playbook

His film Silver Linings Playbook (2012) was based on a book. It starred Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, and Jennifer Lawrence. Jennifer Lawrence said Russell was her favorite director. The movie was released in November 2012. It was praised by critics and made a lot of money.

Silver Linings Playbook is about a former teacher named Pat Solitano (Bradley Cooper) who has bipolar disorder. He moves back home and tries to get his life back on track. He meets Tiffany Maxwell (Jennifer Lawrence), and their relationship develops. The film was inspired by a special school Russell's son attended.

Russell won many awards for Silver Linings Playbook. These included two Independent Spirit Awards for Best Director and Best Screenplay. The film won the People's Choice Award at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival. It was nominated for eight Academy Awards. Jennifer Lawrence won the Best Actress award for her role.

Russell with a bipartisan group of senators introducing the proposed bill, the Excellence in Mental Health Act in 2013

Russell's next movie was American Hustle (2013). This comedy was based on a real-life scandal from the 1970s. It brought together many actors he had worked with before, including Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Robert De Niro. The film received many nominations for awards. It won three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture Comedy. It was also nominated for ten Academy Awards.

In 2015, Russell directed Joy. This film was about the American inventor Joy Mangano. Jennifer Lawrence played the main role. The movie was released in December 2015. It received good reviews, especially for Jennifer Lawrence's acting and Russell's direction. The film made over $101 million worldwide. Jennifer Lawrence won a Golden Globe Award for her performance and was nominated for an Academy Award.

In 2022, Russell wrote and directed Amsterdam. This film starred Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, and John David Washington. It also featured many other famous actors like Chris Rock and Robert De Niro. The film received mixed reviews and did not do well at the box office.

Russell is set to direct a film called Madden about football legend John Madden. Nicolas Cage is expected to star in the movie.

Helping Others Through Film

David O. Russell has been involved with the Ghetto Film School (GFS). This organization helps young storytellers learn about filmmaking. Russell joined the board of GFS in 2002. He helped bring filmmakers and movie studio professionals to teach classes. GFS helps young Black and Latino filmmakers from areas like the South Bronx and Harlem.

In 2014, Ghetto Film School opened a new branch in Los Angeles. Russell helped make this happen.

Russell also supports mental health treatment and research. He is an active supporter of autism research. In 2013, he visited Washington, D.C., to talk about a new bill for mental healthcare. He also participated in discussions about reducing the stigma around mental illness.

David O. Russell's Filmography

Film

Awards for His Films

David O. Russell has received many awards throughout his career. These include two British Academy Film Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and four Independent Spirit Awards. He has also been nominated for five Academy Awards.

Under Russell's direction, several actors have won or been nominated for Academy Awards.

Images for kids

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  Russell at the Paris premiere of American Hustle in February 2014

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  David O. Russell at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2011

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  Russell directed Jennifer Lawrence to three Academy Award nominations and a win for Silver Linings Playbook

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  Russell with a bipartisan group of senators introducing the proposed bill, the Excellence in Mental Health Act in 2013

See also

In Spanish: David O. Russell para niños