Writer/Director JAMES MANGOLD is a classical film maker inspired by strong stories, unique characters, striking images and sterling performances. With KATE & LEOPOLD, his fourth feature, Mangold continues to explore new and varied genres — this time taking on a sophisticated screwball romance reminiscent of his favorite 40s comedies - while keeping constant his trademark style.
Mangold's last film, "Girl, Interrupted" (1999), was adapted from Susanna Kaysen's best-selling memoir about her two-year stay at a mental hospital and featured another strong ensemble (Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Brittany Murphy Whoopi Goldberg and Vanessa Redgrave). Acclaimed for its raw and palpably realistic depiction of mental illness, the film drew both critical and popular acclaim, and Jolie went on to win the 1999 Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
"Heavy"(1996), Mangold's lyrical and nearly word less debut film was also hailed by critics. Written under the guidance of Milos Forman and featuring powerful performances by Pruitt Taylor Vince, Liv Tyler, Deborah Harry and two-time Oscar winner Shelley Winters, "Heavy" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, winning the jury prize for best direction, and was selected to represent the United States at Director's Fortnight in Cannes.
For his second feature, Mangold directed his original screenplay for "Cop Land" (1997), a mythic drama about a suburban New Jersey sheriff caught between his duties to the law and the law less New York City cops who populate his town. Featuring another gifted ensemble (Sylvester Stallone, Robert DeNiro, Harvey Keitel and Ray Liotta), "Cop Land" opened to critical accolades.
The son of two celebrated painters, Mangold earned a B.A. in Film and Acting from the California Institute of the Arts, where he studied under Alexander Macendrick ("Sweet Smell of Success," "The Ladykillers"). Thanks to an array of student shorts, at age 21 Mangold landed a writing and directing deal with Disney, where he penned both an ABC television movie and the ani mated feature musical "Oliver & Company." Mangold then went on to gain a Masters in Film from Columbia University.
Now 37, Mangold lives in Los Angeles with his wife and partner, producer Cathy Konrad. They have made his last three films together and are currently developing "Cash," a film about the tur bulent life of legendary singer/songwriter Johnny Cash.
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