Although he began his professional life as an actor, KEITH GORDON always sought to get back to his first dream: filmmaking. He utilized his experience acting for directors such as Brian De Palma, Bob Fosse, and Michael Bennett as a kind of paid apprenticeship.
Gordon appeared in leading roles in John Carpenter's "Christine"; De Palma's "Dressed to Kill" and "Home Movies"; and the comedy "Back to School," as well as in supporting roles in numerous films, including Bob Fosse's "All That Jazz." He simultaneously worked extensively in theater in New York, both on and off Broadway.
As a stepping stone behind the camera, Gordon starred in, co-wrote, and co-produced the independent feature "Static," which earned him the Best Actor Award at the Madrid Film Festival, and, more importantly, the chance to direct his first film.
In 1988, Gordon wrote and directed "The Chocolate War," adapting Robert Cormier's classic novel. The film won critical acclaim, and Gordon received an LFP/Spirit Award nomination for Best First Feature.
Next, Gordon adapted and directed "A Midnight Clear," from William Wharton's autobiographical anti-war novel, starring Ethan Hawke and Gary Siise (in his film debut). In addition to landing on a large number of year-end "10 Best" lists, the film got Gordon his second IFP/Spirit Award nomination, this time for Best Screenplay.
Gordon has kept busy directing the occasional odd and adventurous piece for television, including two segments of Oliver Stone's "Wild Palms" miniseries for ABC; an episode of Barry Levinson's "Homicide" series for NBC; and an episode of Showtime's award-winning film noir anthology series "Fallen Angels."
In 1996, Gordon produced and directed "Mother Night," starring Nick Nolte, from the classic, blackly comic Kurt Vonnegut novel. Soon to be issued is a special edition DVD of the film, with additional scenes and commentary from Gordon, Nolte, and Vonnegut.
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