Mike Figgis

Mike Figgis has roots in experimental theatre and music; two primary influences that contribute to the creative vision found throughout his feature films and documentaries. Over the course of his career, Figgis has emerged as a visionary filmmaker who thrives on taking artistic risks. Although he has been at the helm of mainstream movies such as Internal Affairs, the British filmmaker has exhibited his more eclectic personal style in films such as Stormy Monday and Liebestraum, a dark thriller for which Kim Novak came out of retirement to star. In 1996, Figgis achieved international critical acclaim for Leaving Las Vegas, which he wrote, directed and scored, receiving two Academy Award nominations. Figgis has frequently pursued personal projects and has never been afraid of exploring new territory, turning his hand to documentaries in 1994 with On Liberty; the art of interviewing, with the series Hollywood Conversations; and also digital experimentation, with the groundbreaking Timecode released to considerable critical acclaim in 2000 and continues to be shown around the world. Figgis continues to push the boundaries of digital filmmaking, most recently with Hotel, shot in Venice at the beginning of 2001 in just six weeks and with two books on the subject. Meanwhile, he has made documentaries, such as The Battle Of Orgreave; features such as Cold Creek Manor; and is involved in a wide range of projects, from masterclasses to sound and image installations.