Joel Schumacher
Biography
Joel Schumacher was an American film director, screenwriter, producer, and costume designer. Born on August 29, 1939, in New York City, he graduated from Parsons School of Design. Initially, he worked as a production and costume designer before gaining writing credits on films such as Car Wash, Sparkle, and The Wiz. Schumacher's early directorial efforts, including The Incredible Shrinking Woman and D.C. Cab, received little attention. However, he rose to prominence after directing St. Elmo's Fire. Throughout his career, Schumacher directed numerous films, accumulating 63 known credits. He passed away on June 22, 2020, at the age of 80.
Career overview
Joel Schumacher began his career in film-making as a production and costume designer. He eventually gained writing credits on several films, including Car Wash, Sparkle, and The Wiz. Schumacher's initial theatrically released films, The Incredible Shrinking Woman and D.C. Cab, received little attention.
Schumacher's career gained momentum after he directed St. Elmo's Fire, a film that brought him prominence. This marked a turning point in his career, leading to further opportunities in the film industry. Schumacher's work as a director spanned multiple genres, showcasing his versatility as a filmmaker.
Throughout his career, Schumacher accumulated a significant number of directing credits. His body of work demonstrates his ability to adapt to various projects and genres, solidifying his position as a notable figure in the film industry.
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Career timeline
Full filmography
- BRATS (2024) as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
- The Binge (2020) In Memory Of
- Very Ralph (2019) as Self
- Halston (2019) as Self
- Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall (2016) as Self
- Everything Is Copy (2015) as Self
- Do Not Disturb: Hotel Horrors (2015) Executive Producer
- House of Cards (2013) Director
- Radioman (2012) as Self
- Side by Side (2012) as Self
- The Batmobile (2012) as Self
- Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel (2012) as Self
- Trespass (2011) Director
- Man in the Mirror (2011) Director
- Twelve (2010) Director
- Blood Creek (2009) Director
- Coming Attractions: The History of the Movie Trailer (2009) as Self
- Shadows of the Bat: The Cinematic Saga of the Dark Knight (2008) as Self
- The Number 23 (2007) Director
- Heckler (2007) as Self
- Bloodsucking Cinema (2007) as Self
- Holy the Sabbath (2006) as Narrator
- The Phantom of the Opera (2004) Director
- The Phantom of the Opera (2004) Screenplay
- Phone Booth (2003) Director
- Veronica Guerin (2003) Director
- Making of Phone Booth (2003) as Self
- Stupidity (2003) as Self
- Bad Company (2002) Director
- Welcome to Hollywood (2000) as Joel Schumacher
- Tigerland (2000) Director
- Gossip (2000) Executive Producer
- What the Folk?... Behind the Scenes of 'Queer as Folk' (2000) as Himself
- 8MM (1999) Producer
- 8MM (1999) Director
- Flawless (1999) Director
- Flawless (1999) Producer
- Flawless (1999) Screenplay
- Batman & Robin (1997) Director
- A Time to Kill (1996) Director
- Batman Forever (1995) Director
- The Babysitter (1995) Executive Producer
- Riddle Me This: Why Is Batman Forever? (1995) as Self - Director
- The Client (1994) Director
- Falling Down (1993) Director
- 2000 Malibu Road (1992) Director
- Dying Young (1991) Director
- Flatliners (1990) Director
- Cousins (1989) Director
- The Lost Boys (1987) Director
- Slow Burn (1986) Executive Producer
- St. Elmo's Fire (1985) Director
- St. Elmo's Fire (1985) Screenplay
- Code Name: Foxfire (1985) Creator
- D.C. Cab (1983) Director
- D.C. Cab (1983) Writer
- The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981) Director
- Amateur Night at the Dixie Bar and Grill (1979) Director
- Amateur Night at the Dixie Bar and Grill (1979) Teleplay
- The Wiz (1978) Screenplay
- Interiors (1978) Costume Design
- Car Wash (1976) Writer
- Sparkle (1976) Screenplay
- Sparkle (1976) Story
- The Prisoner of Second Avenue (1975) Costume Design
- Virginia Hill (1974) Director
- Virginia Hill (1974) Writer
- Killer Bees (1974) Production Design
- Sleeper (1973) Costume Design
- The Last of Sheila (1973) Costume Design
- Blume in Love (1973) Costume Design
- Play It as It Lays (1972) Costume Design