Robert Benton

Robert Benton

Robert Benton was born on September 29th, 1932

Full Name: Robert Douglas Benton
Place of Birth: Waxahachie, USA
Profession: Director, Producer, Screenwriter
Nationality: American
Notable Work: Kramer vs. Kramer
Birth Year: 1932
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Awards: Academy Award

Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind iconic movies like "Kramer vs. Kramer" and "Places in the Heart", known for his nuanced storytelling and character-driven dramas.

Written by: Isabel Sanchez Isabel Sanchez

Robert Benton: The Acclaimed Screenwriter and Film Director

Robert Benton, a seven-time Academy Award nominee and three-time winner, is best known for his work as the writer and director of the iconic film Kramer vs. Kramer, for which he took home the Oscars for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. His impressive career has also earned him a third Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Places in the Heart.

Early Life and Career

Born on September 29, 1932, in Waxahachie, Texas, Robert Benton is the son of Dorothy (née Spaulding) and Ellery Douglass Benton, a telephone company employee. He attended the University of Texas and Columbia University, laying the foundation for his future success.

In the early 1960s, Benton worked as the art director at Esquire magazine, where he developed his skills and style. His first foray into screenwriting came in 1967 with the film Bonnie and Clyde, co-written with David Newman.

Awards and Accolades

Notable Works

Personal Life

Benton married artist Sallie Rendig in 1964, and the couple has enjoyed a long and fulfilling partnership. In addition to his film work, Benton has also been involved in various other projects, including the documentary Wanderlust (2006).

The Robert Benton Papers, a collection of his work and memorabilia, are housed at the Wittliff Collections at Texas State University in San Marcos, providing a unique glimpse into the life and career of this acclaimed filmmaker.

Timeline
1932
Born in USA
Robert Benton was born on September 29, 1932, in Waxahachie, Texas, USA.
1954
Graduated from University
Benton graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 1954, with a degree in English.
1967
Co-wrote Bonnie and Clyde
Benton co-wrote the screenplay for Bonnie and Clyde in 1967, which earned him an Academy Award nomination.
1977
Directed The Late Show
Benton directed The Late Show in 1977, starring Art Carney and Lily Tomlin.
1980
Won Academy Award
Benton won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Kramer vs. Kramer in 1980.
Robert Benton

Robert Benton Quiz

What type of films is Robert Benton known for directing?

Score: 0/5
FAQ
What is Robert Bentons background in film?
Robert Benton is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter, known for his work on films such as Bonnie and Clyde, Superman, and Places in the Heart.
What is Robert Bentons most famous film?
Robert Bentons most famous film is Places in the Heart, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1984. The film tells the story of a Texas widow who takes on the challenge of running a farm during the Great Depression.
What is Robert Bentons connection to the American New Wave?
Robert Benton was a key figure in the American New Wave movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which sought to revitalize American cinema through innovative storytelling and filmmaking techniques.
How has Robert Bentons work influenced the film industry?
Robert Bentons work has had a lasting impact on the film industry, inspiring generations of filmmakers with his bold storytelling, nuanced characterizations, and attention to detail.
What awards has Robert Benton received for his contributions to film?
Robert Benton has received numerous awards for his contributions to film, including the Academy Award, the Golden Globe Award, and the Directors Guild of America Award.

Related People:

Arthur Penn

Born in 1922

Acclaimed filmmaker behind iconic movies like "Bonnie and Clyde" and "Little Big Man", known for his bold, visually striking, and socially conscious storytelling style.

Peter Bogdanovich

86 Years Old

A renowned filmmaker behind iconic movies like "The Last Picture Show" and "What's Up, Doc?", known for his nostalgic and nuanced storytelling style.

Francis Ford Coppola

87 Years Old

Academy Award-winning filmmaker behind epic movies like The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, known for his groundbreaking storytelling and direction.

Martin Scorsese

83 Years Old

Acclaimed filmmaker behind gritty, intense, and visually stunning movies that often explore themes of redemption, faith, and the human condition, with a distinctive directing style that blends violence and artistry.

Robert Altman

Born in 1925

Visionary filmmaker behind genre-bending, ensemble-driven movies that critique American culture, often featuring complex characters and improvisational dialogue.

Alan J. Pakula

98 Years Old

Acclaimed filmmaker behind thought-provoking thrillers and dramas that often explored the human condition, known for directing iconic movies like "Klute" and "All the President's Men".

Sidney Lumet

Born in 1924

Acclaimed filmmaker behind gritty, socially conscious dramas and classics like "12 Angry Men" and "Dog Day Afternoon", known for his intense, realistic direction.

John Schlesinger

Born in 1926

A renowned actor and director, he brought complex characters to life on screen, earning numerous awards and nominations, including an Academy Award for Best Director. 42