Joel Schumacher facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Joel Schumacher
Schumacher at the 2003 Taormina Film Fest in Italy
Born	(1939-08-29)August 29, 1939 New York City, U.S.
Died	June 22, 2020(2020-06-22) (aged 80) New York City, U.S.
Alma mater	Fashion Institute of Technology Parsons School of Design
Occupation	Film director producer screenwriter
Years active	1970–2020

Joel T. Schumacher (August 29, 1939 – June 22, 2020) was an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He was known for directing many popular movies.

Joel Schumacher started his career in fashion design. Later, he moved into filmmaking. He first worked as a costume designer. Then, he wrote screenplays for films like Car Wash and The Wiz.

He became famous for directing movies like St. Elmo's Fire and The Lost Boys. He also directed two Batman films: Batman Forever and Batman & Robin. Later in his career, he directed films such as Tigerland and Phone Booth. His movie The Phantom of the Opera came out in 2004.

Early Life and Schooling

Joel T. Schumacher was born in New York City on August 29, 1939. His father passed away when Joel was four years old. He was raised by his mother in Long Island City.

Joel studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He then graduated from Parsons School of Design in 1965. After school, he worked as a designer for a company called Revlon in 1966. In 1970, he worked for Henri Bendel, another well-known company.

Filmmaking Career

Joel Schumacher began his film career by designing costumes. In 1972, he designed clothes for films like Play It as It Lays. He also worked on The Last of Sheila. In 1973, he designed costumes for Woody Allen's Sleeper. He also worked on Blume in Love.

In 1974, he became a production designer for the movie Killer Bees. He also designed costumes for other films. These included The Prisoner of Second Avenue and Interiors.

Becoming a Writer and Director

In 1974, Joel Schumacher wrote a TV movie script about the life of Virginia Hill. He was chosen to direct this movie, and filming began in September.

He also co-wrote the script for Sparkle in 1974. This movie was released in 1976. He had big plans for the film, but the budget was limited. Schumacher also wrote the screenplays for Car Wash and The Wiz.

In 1978, Schumacher directed a TV movie called Amateur Night at the Dixie Bar and Grill. It was released in 1979.

First Movies in Theaters

In 1979, Joel Schumacher was chosen to direct The Incredible Shrinking Woman. This was his first movie released in theaters. The film came out in 1981. It did not do well with critics or at the box office. The movie's budget was cut, which made it harder to make.

In 1983, he directed D.C. Cab, which starred Mr. T. Schumacher later said he took the job because he needed work.

Breakthrough Success

In 1984, Columbia Pictures chose Schumacher to direct St. Elmo's Fire. He kept the production details private. In 1987, he directed The Lost Boys. Both films were very popular with young audiences. They were his first big successes.

After The Lost Boys, Schumacher directed several other films. These included Cousins, Flatliners, Dying Young, Falling Down, and The Client.

Directing Batman Films

In 1993, Warner Bros. picked Schumacher to direct the Batman movies. He took over from Tim Burton. Schumacher directed Batman Forever. This movie had a different style from Burton's earlier Batman films. Batman Forever received mixed reviews but made more money than Batman Returns.

He then directed Batman & Robin. This movie was made quickly after Batman Forever. It was designed to be more fun and kid-friendly to help sell toys. However, the film received mostly negative reviews. It did not make as much money as the previous Batman movies. Because of this, a planned sequel, Batman Unchained, was canceled. Schumacher later said he was sorry for the quality of Batman & Robin in 2017.

Later Film Projects

After the Batman films, Schumacher directed many other movies. These included 8mm, Flawless, Tigerland, Bad Company, and Phone Booth. He also directed Veronica Guerin and The Phantom of the Opera.

In 2008, he directed a music video for the band Scars on Broadway. The song was called "World Long Gone". In 2013, he directed two episodes of the TV series House of Cards.

Personal Life

Joel Schumacher supported candidates from the Democratic Party. He donated to several political campaigns.

Death

Joel Schumacher passed away on June 22, 2020. He died from cancer. After his death, actors like Jim Carrey and Matthew McConaughey praised him. They said he helped start their careers.

Filmography

Films

Filmmaking credits

Executive producer

• The Babysitter (1995)
• Gossip (2000)

Other credits

Television

Filmmaking credits

Other credits

Music videos

Directing credits

See also

In Spanish: Joel Schumacher para niños