David Andrew Leo Fincher is an American film director, film producer, and music video director.
David Andrew Leo Fincher is an American film director, film producer, and music video director.

He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director for his 2008 film The Curious
He was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director for his 2008 film The Curious

Case of Benjamin Button and his 2010 film The Social Network. For The Social Network,
Case of Benjamin Button and his 2010 film The Social Network. For The Social Network,

he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Director and the BAFTA Award for Best Direction. His
he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Director and the BAFTA Award for Best Direction. His

most recent film is 2011's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, an English-language adaptation
most recent film is 2011's The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, an English-language adaptation

of Stieg Larsson's novel of the same name.
of Stieg Larsson's novel of the same name.

Early life Fincher was born on August 28, 1962 in Denver,
Early life Fincher was born on August 28, 1962 in Denver,

Colorado, the son of Claire Mae, a mental health nurse who worked in drug addiction
Colorado, the son of Claire Mae, a mental health nurse who worked in drug addiction

programs, and Howard Kelly Fincher, who was an author and worked as a bureau chief for
programs, and Howard Kelly Fincher, who was an author and worked as a bureau chief for

Life. Howard died of cancer in April 2003. When Fincher was two years old, the family
Life. Howard died of cancer in April 2003. When Fincher was two years old, the family

moved to San Anselmo, California. Fincher moved to Ashland, Oregon in his teens, where
moved to San Anselmo, California. Fincher moved to Ashland, Oregon in his teens, where

he graduated from Ashland High School. Inspired by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Fincher
he graduated from Ashland High School. Inspired by Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Fincher

began making movies at age eight with an 8 mm camera. He attended the Berkeley Film Institute.
began making movies at age eight with an 8 mm camera. He attended the Berkeley Film Institute.

Career Early career
Career Early career

Fincher was employed at Korty Films where he worked on the animated Twice Upon a Time.
Fincher was employed at Korty Films where he worked on the animated Twice Upon a Time.

He was later hired by Industrial Light & Magic in 1983, where he worked on productions for
He was later hired by Industrial Light & Magic in 1983, where he worked on productions for

Return of the Jedi, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. In 1984, he left ILM to
Return of the Jedi, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. In 1984, he left ILM to

direct a commercial for the American Cancer Society, that would show a fetus smoking a
direct a commercial for the American Cancer Society, that would show a fetus smoking a

cigarette. This quickly brought Fincher to the attention of producers in Los Angeles
cigarette. This quickly brought Fincher to the attention of producers in Los Angeles

and he was given the chance to direct the documentary The Beat of the Live Drum featuring
and he was given the chance to direct the documentary The Beat of the Live Drum featuring

Rick Springfield in 1985. Though he would continue to direct spots for companies like
Rick Springfield in 1985. Though he would continue to direct spots for companies like

Revlon, Converse, Nike, Pepsi, Sony, and Levi's, Fincher soon discovered music videos and went
Revlon, Converse, Nike, Pepsi, Sony, and Levi's, Fincher soon discovered music videos and went

on to direct many promos. Propaganda Films
on to direct many promos. Propaganda Films

Set on a directing career, Fincher joined video-production company Propaganda Films
Set on a directing career, Fincher joined video-production company Propaganda Films

and started off directing music videos and commercials. Like Fincher, directors such
and started off directing music videos and commercials. Like Fincher, directors such

as Michael Bay, Spike Jonze, Mark Romanek, Michel Gondry, Paul Rachman, Zack Snyder,
as Michael Bay, Spike Jonze, Mark Romanek, Michel Gondry, Paul Rachman, Zack Snyder,

Gore Verbinski, Alex Proyas, Antoine Fuqua and others honed their talents at Propaganda
Gore Verbinski, Alex Proyas, Antoine Fuqua and others honed their talents at Propaganda

Films before moving on to feature films. Influence
Films before moving on to feature films. Influence

In an interview with Empire magazine in 2008, Fincher named the following films as his favorite;
In an interview with Empire magazine in 2008, Fincher named the following films as his favorite;

Alien, All That Jazz, All the President's Men, American Graffiti, Being There, Butch
Alien, All That Jazz, All the President's Men, American Graffiti, Being There, Butch

Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Cabaret, Chinatown, Citizen Kane, Days of Heaven, Dr. Strangelove,
Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Cabaret, Chinatown, Citizen Kane, Days of Heaven, Dr. Strangelove,

8½, The Exorcist, The Godfather Part II, The Graduate, Jaws, Lawrence of Arabia, Mad
8½, The Exorcist, The Godfather Part II, The Graduate, Jaws, Lawrence of Arabia, Mad

Max 2, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, National Lampoon's Animal House, Paper Moon, Rear Window,
Max 2, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, National Lampoon's Animal House, Paper Moon, Rear Window,

Taxi Driver, The Terminator, The Year of Living Dangerously, and Zelig.
Taxi Driver, The Terminator, The Year of Living Dangerously, and Zelig.

Feature films and television After directing several music videos, Fincher's
Feature films and television After directing several music videos, Fincher's

feature debut was Alien 3. While it received an Oscar nomination for special effects, the
feature debut was Alien 3. While it received an Oscar nomination for special effects, the

film was not well received by critics or moviegoers. Fincher became involved with several disputes
film was not well received by critics or moviegoers. Fincher became involved with several disputes

with 20th Century Fox over script and budget issues. Director's Cut: Picturing Hollywood
with 20th Century Fox over script and budget issues. Director's Cut: Picturing Hollywood

in the 21st Century, he blames the producers for not putting the necessary trust in him.
in the 21st Century, he blames the producers for not putting the necessary trust in him.

He stated in an interview with The Guardian in 2009: "No one hated it more than me; to
He stated in an interview with The Guardian in 2009: "No one hated it more than me; to

this day, no one hates it more than me." After this, he retreated back into the world of
this day, no one hates it more than me." After this, he retreated back into the world of

commercial and music video directing, including the video for the Grammy Award-winning track
commercial and music video directing, including the video for the Grammy Award-winning track

"Love Is Strong" by The Rolling Stones. In 1995, Fincher directed Seven. The film,
"Love Is Strong" by The Rolling Stones. In 1995, Fincher directed Seven. The film,

based on a screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker, told the story of two detectives tracking
based on a screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker, told the story of two detectives tracking

down a serial killer who bases his killings on the seven deadly sins. The film grossed
down a serial killer who bases his killings on the seven deadly sins. The film grossed

more than $100 million domestically. The chairman of New Line Cinema, Arnold Kopelson,
more than $100 million domestically. The chairman of New Line Cinema, Arnold Kopelson,

originally refused to allow filming of the shocking climatic scene. With the aid of Brad
originally refused to allow filming of the shocking climatic scene. With the aid of Brad

Pitt, who stated that he would not be involved with the picture if its ending were changed,
Pitt, who stated that he would not be involved with the picture if its ending were changed,

Fincher was allowed to film the original scene and use it in the final cut.
Fincher was allowed to film the original scene and use it in the final cut.

After the success of Seven, Fincher went on to film The Game. The story focused on a closed-off
After the success of Seven, Fincher went on to film The Game. The story focused on a closed-off

San Francisco businessman who receives an unusual gift from his younger brother, in
San Francisco businessman who receives an unusual gift from his younger brother, in

which he becomes the main player of a role-playing game that takes over his life. The film had
which he becomes the main player of a role-playing game that takes over his life. The film had

middling box-office returns despite being well received by critics.
middling box-office returns despite being well received by critics.

Fight Club was a screen adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk's novel of the same name about an
Fight Club was a screen adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk's novel of the same name about an

insomniac office worker who opens up a club devoted exclusively to bare knuckle fighting
insomniac office worker who opens up a club devoted exclusively to bare knuckle fighting

for men. Featuring Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, and Seven collaborator Brad Pitt,
for men. Featuring Edward Norton, Helena Bonham Carter, and Seven collaborator Brad Pitt,

the 1999 film was an early disappointment at the box-office and received mixed reviews.
the 1999 film was an early disappointment at the box-office and received mixed reviews.

Fight Club was panned by several critics and alienated audiences leading to its box office
Fight Club was panned by several critics and alienated audiences leading to its box office

failure in the United States. However, many critics and audiences later
failure in the United States. However, many critics and audiences later

changed their opinions and the film appeared on many "best of the year" lists and soon
changed their opinions and the film appeared on many "best of the year" lists and soon

developed a cult following. Entertainment Weekly, which had originally given the film
developed a cult following. Entertainment Weekly, which had originally given the film

a D-, later ranked the DVD #1 on its list of 50 Essential DVDs. Exceptional sales have
a D-, later ranked the DVD #1 on its list of 50 Essential DVDs. Exceptional sales have

since established it as a cult film. In 2006, the British magazine Total Film voted
since established it as a cult film. In 2006, the British magazine Total Film voted

Fight Club number four in the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time, beaten only by Jaws, Vertigo
Fight Club number four in the 100 Greatest Movies of All Time, beaten only by Jaws, Vertigo

and Goodfellas at 3, 2 and 1 respectively. In 2002, Fincher followed up with the thriller
and Goodfellas at 3, 2 and 1 respectively. In 2002, Fincher followed up with the thriller

Panic Room. The film earned over $92 million at the U.S. box office. The story follows
Panic Room. The film earned over $92 million at the U.S. box office. The story follows

a single mother and her daughter as they hide in a safe room of their new house, away from
a single mother and her daughter as they hide in a safe room of their new house, away from

criminals bent on finding a missing fortune. Fincher acknowledged Panic Room as a more
criminals bent on finding a missing fortune. Fincher acknowledged Panic Room as a more

mainstream thriller, describing the film, on the DVD's audio commentary, as "[basically]
mainstream thriller, describing the film, on the DVD's audio commentary, as "[basically]

a date movie" and a "really good B movie" about "two people trapped in a closet".
a date movie" and a "really good B movie" about "two people trapped in a closet".

Five years after Panic Room, Fincher returned on March 2, 2007 with Zodiac, an adaptation
Five years after Panic Room, Fincher returned on March 2, 2007 with Zodiac, an adaptation

of Robert Graysmith's books about the hunt for the Zodiac Killer that starred Jake Gyllenhaal,
of Robert Graysmith's books about the hunt for the Zodiac Killer that starred Jake Gyllenhaal,

Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey, Jr., Anthony Edwards, and Brian Cox. The first of Fincher's
Mark Ruffalo, Robert Downey, Jr., Anthony Edwards, and Brian Cox. The first of Fincher's

films to be shot digitally, the majority of the film was recorded on a Thompson Viper
films to be shot digitally, the majority of the film was recorded on a Thompson Viper

Film Stream Camera. However, high-speed film cameras were used for the Blue Rock Springs
Film Stream Camera. However, high-speed film cameras were used for the Blue Rock Springs

and Presidio Heights murder scenes for the slow-motion shots. It was originally to be
and Presidio Heights murder scenes for the slow-motion shots. It was originally to be

released in the fall of 2006 but was pushed back after Fincher refused to cut 20 minutes
released in the fall of 2006 but was pushed back after Fincher refused to cut 20 minutes

off the film. Zodiac was one of the best-reviewed films
off the film. Zodiac was one of the best-reviewed films

of that year, with only two other 2007 films appearing on more top-10 lists. However, the
of that year, with only two other 2007 films appearing on more top-10 lists. However, the

film struggled at the box office in the U.S., earning only $33 million, but did well overseas
film struggled at the box office in the U.S., earning only $33 million, but did well overseas

with a foreign gross of $51.7 million. Worldwide, Zodiac was a decent success. Despite an aggressive
with a foreign gross of $51.7 million. Worldwide, Zodiac was a decent success. Despite an aggressive

campaign by the studio, expectations surrounding Robert Downey, Jr.'s supporting performance,
campaign by the studio, expectations surrounding Robert Downey, Jr.'s supporting performance,

Fincher's direction and Vanderbilt's adapted script, the film did not earn a single Academy
Fincher's direction and Vanderbilt's adapted script, the film did not earn a single Academy

Award nomination. A story about life and death, The Curious
Award nomination. A story about life and death, The Curious

Case of Benjamin Button is an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story of the
Case of Benjamin Button is an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story of the

same name. The film was Fincher's third with Brad Pitt. The film started shooting in November
same name. The film was Fincher's third with Brad Pitt. The film started shooting in November

2006 in New Orleans, before moving on to the Virgin Islands, Montreal, and L.A. Both Zodiac
2006 in New Orleans, before moving on to the Virgin Islands, Montreal, and L.A. Both Zodiac

and this film are co-productions of Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. The budget for the
and this film are co-productions of Paramount Pictures and Warner Bros. The budget for the

film was estimated at $150 million, partly due to the CGI effects used to reverse the
film was estimated at $150 million, partly due to the CGI effects used to reverse the

aging in Pitt's character. The film is the first PG-13 film directed by Fincher. It received
aging in Pitt's character. The film is the first PG-13 film directed by Fincher. It received

13 nominations at the 81st Academy Awards, including Fincher's first nomination for Best
13 nominations at the 81st Academy Awards, including Fincher's first nomination for Best

Director. It won three Academy Awards for Best Art Direction, Best Makeup, and Best
Director. It won three Academy Awards for Best Art Direction, Best Makeup, and Best

Visual Effects. Fincher directed the 2010 film The Social
Visual Effects. Fincher directed the 2010 film The Social

Network, about the legal battles of Mark Zuckerberg and the founding of Facebook. The film features
Network, about the legal battles of Mark Zuckerberg and the founding of Facebook. The film features

an Oscar-winning screenplay by Aaron Sorkin, adapted from the book The Accidental Billionaires.
an Oscar-winning screenplay by Aaron Sorkin, adapted from the book The Accidental Billionaires.

Featuring a young cast ensemble, the film was produced by Scott Rudin, Kevin Spacey
Featuring a young cast ensemble, the film was produced by Scott Rudin, Kevin Spacey

and Michael DeLuca. Filming started in October 2009 and was released a year later, to critical
and Michael DeLuca. Filming started in October 2009 and was released a year later, to critical

acclaim. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross created the Oscar-winning soundtrack for the film.
acclaim. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross created the Oscar-winning soundtrack for the film.

Fincher had long been a fan of Reznor's work in Nine Inch Nails, even putting a remix of
Fincher had long been a fan of Reznor's work in Nine Inch Nails, even putting a remix of

"Closer" in the beginning of Seven and directing the music video for "Only". The film went
"Closer" in the beginning of Seven and directing the music video for "Only". The film went

on to win many awards, including four Golden Globes, three BAFTAs, and three Academy Awards
on to win many awards, including four Golden Globes, three BAFTAs, and three Academy Awards

for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing.
for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing.

Fincher directed the American version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which was based
Fincher directed the American version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which was based

on the book by Stieg Larsson, with a script written by Steven Zaillian. The film was shot
on the book by Stieg Larsson, with a script written by Steven Zaillian. The film was shot

in Sweden, with Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander, Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist, Robin Wright
in Sweden, with Rooney Mara as Lisbeth Salander, Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist, Robin Wright

as Erika Berger, Stellan Skarsgård as Martin Vanger and Christopher Plummer as Henrik Vanger.
as Erika Berger, Stellan Skarsgård as Martin Vanger and Christopher Plummer as Henrik Vanger.

The film was released on December 21, 2011. Dragon Tattoo writer Steve Zaillian is in
The film was released on December 21, 2011. Dragon Tattoo writer Steve Zaillian is in

the early stage of scripting The Girl Who Played with Fire, which Fincher has the option
the early stage of scripting The Girl Who Played with Fire, which Fincher has the option

to direct. While he has not yet committed to the project, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker
to direct. While he has not yet committed to the project, the Oscar-nominated filmmaker

has admitted that he would prefer to shoot both the second and third Millennium book
has admitted that he would prefer to shoot both the second and third Millennium book

adaptations back-to-back, for both practical and artistic purposes. Trent Reznor and Atticus
adaptations back-to-back, for both practical and artistic purposes. Trent Reznor and Atticus

Ross composed the soundtrack for the film. It received five Academy Award nominations
Ross composed the soundtrack for the film. It received five Academy Award nominations

at the 84th Academy Awards including: Best Actress for Rooney Mara, Best Cinematography,
at the 84th Academy Awards including: Best Actress for Rooney Mara, Best Cinematography,

Best Sound, Best Sound Mixing and won one award for Best Film Editing.
Best Sound, Best Sound Mixing and won one award for Best Film Editing.

Fincher is executive producer of the Netflix television series House of Cards; he also
Fincher is executive producer of the Netflix television series House of Cards; he also

directed the first two episodes. The series has received critical acclaim, receiving nine
directed the first two episodes. The series has received critical acclaim, receiving nine

Primetime Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series and Fincher for Outstanding Directing
Primetime Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Drama Series and Fincher for Outstanding Directing

for a Drama Series for the first episode, which he won.
for a Drama Series for the first episode, which he won.

On January 22, 2013, Fincher was reported to be in talks to direct the adaptation of
On January 22, 2013, Fincher was reported to be in talks to direct the adaptation of

the Gillian Flynn novel Gone Girl, a report that was later confirmed on July 11 of the
the Gillian Flynn novel Gone Girl, a report that was later confirmed on July 11 of the

same year with the casting of Ben Affleck in the lead role. Production began in September
same year with the casting of Ben Affleck in the lead role. Production began in September

2013. It was later given a release date of October 3, 2014.
2013. It was later given a release date of October 3, 2014.

Filmography Films
Filmography Films

Music videos As a music video director, Fincher has won
Music videos As a music video director, Fincher has won

two Grammy Awards for Best Music Video, for his work in "Love Is Strong" by The Rolling
two Grammy Awards for Best Music Video, for his work in "Love Is Strong" by The Rolling

Stones and "Suit & Tie" by Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z, and three MTV Video Music Awards
Stones and "Suit & Tie" by Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z, and three MTV Video Music Awards

for Best Direction, being one of the most awarded directors in the category, alongside
for Best Direction, being one of the most awarded directors in the category, alongside

Spike Jonze. His video for Don Henley's "The End of the Innocence" won Henley the MTV Video
Spike Jonze. His video for Don Henley's "The End of the Innocence" won Henley the MTV Video

Music Award for Best Male Video in 1990. He also earned back-to-back MTV Video Music Awards
Music Award for Best Male Video in 1990. He also earned back-to-back MTV Video Music Awards

for Best Direction in 1989 for "Express Yourself" and in 1990 for "Vogue". In 1990, he earned
for Best Direction in 1989 for "Express Yourself" and in 1990 for "Vogue". In 1990, he earned

three of the four available nominations in the Best Direction category.
three of the four available nominations in the Best Direction category.

Video games Halo 4 "Scanned" launch trailer
Video games Halo 4 "Scanned" launch trailer

Reception Critical reception
Reception Critical reception

Box office References
Box office References

Further reading Waxman, Sharon, ed.. Rebels on the Backlot:
Further reading Waxman, Sharon, ed.. Rebels on the Backlot:

Six Maverick Directors and How They Conquered the Hollywood Studio System. HarperEntertainment. 
Six Maverick Directors and How They Conquered the Hollywood Studio System. HarperEntertainment. 

External links David Fincher at the Internet Movie Database
External links David Fincher at the Internet Movie Database

David Fincher at AllMovie David Fincher at Rotten Tomatoes
David Fincher at AllMovie David Fincher at Rotten Tomatoes

David Fincher at MVDbase.com Senses of Cinema: Great Directors Critical
David Fincher at MVDbase.com Senses of Cinema: Great Directors Critical

Database Interviews
Database Interviews

David Fincher interview with Paul Guyot of www.dvdtalk.com
David Fincher interview with Paul Guyot of www.dvdtalk.com

David Fincher interview with Gavin Smith of edward-norton.org
David Fincher interview with Gavin Smith of edward-norton.org

Esquire magazine interview with Fincher IndieLondon interview with Fincher
Esquire magazine interview with Fincher IndieLondon interview with Fincher

David Fincher Didn't Want To Make 'Another Serial-Killer Movie' ... Until Zodiac Came
David Fincher Didn't Want To Make 'Another Serial-Killer Movie' ... Until Zodiac Came

Along – Part 1 interview with MTV David Fincher Discusses Reunion With Brad
Along – Part 1 interview with MTV David Fincher Discusses Reunion With Brad

Pitt, Possible Fight Club Musical – Part 2 interview with MTV
Pitt, Possible Fight Club Musical – Part 2 interview with MTV

CHUD: Exclusive Interview: David Fincher LA Weekly – David Fincher discusses Zodiac's
CHUD: Exclusive Interview: David Fincher LA Weekly – David Fincher discusses Zodiac's

rising star
rising star