Lee Tamahori Biography: film director and commercial artist

Lee Tamahori was born on the 17th June 1950 in Wellington, New Zealand. He is best known as a film director, though he got his break as a commercial artist photographer in the late 70’s.

Lee’s first break as a filmmaker cam with Once Were Warriors in 1994. The film was a gritty depiction of urban Māori life, it was exceptionally successful in New Zealand and won the PEN First Book Award. On the back of the film’s success, he moved to Hollywood and directed the thriller Mulholland Falls in ‘96. The film wasn’t received well by either critics or moviegoers.

His luck changed when he directed the successful wilderness movie “The Edge” in 1997 and the amazing Die Another Day in 2002. Lee didn’t stick to films, and ventured into the world of television. He directed numerous episodes of television shows, in particular and episode of the fabulous The Sopranos during its second season.

Tamahori then replaced Rob Cohen to direct the sequel to xXx - xXx: State of the Union starring Ice Cube and Willem Dafoe.
Lee’s latest film is Next (2007), based on The Golden Man b Philip K. Dick. The film starred Nicolas Cage, Julianne Moore and Jessica Biel.

Lee Tamahori’s career has come in peaks and troughs throughout but his lowest point was in January 8th 2006, when he was arrested for allegedly soliciting in Los Angeles, by offering an undercover police oral sex while dressed as a woman. He was charged with criminal trespass, having pled no contest in exchange for the other charges being dropped.

This incident in 2006 doesn’t take away the fact that Lee is an extremely talented man whose films, particularly the recent, are phenomenal.

What do you think of Lee Tamahori and his films? Let us know by leaving your comments.

Source

CLICK HERE to keep updated with the latest news, share a comment or problems with products and services. Follow us on twitter or read more news.