Born on 26 March 1965, Jonathan Glazer is an English filmmaker and writer. He started in the theatre industry but later shifted his focus to film. He has directed acclaimed works such as Sexy Beast (2000), Birth (2004), Under the Skin (2013), and The Zone of Interest (2023).
Glazer’s creations frequently feature flawed and desperate individuals, delve into topics like isolation and solitude, boast a bold visual approach with an all-knowing viewpoint, and incorporate powerful music. He has received six BAFTA Awards and two Academy Award nominations.
In 2023, he was awarded the Grand Prix and FIPRESCI Prize at the Cannes Film Festival for his work on the historical drama The Zone of Interest. Additionally, he has received nominations for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards.
Jonathan Glazer Films You Must Watch
The Zone of Interest
The Zone of Interest is a historical drama movie set to release in 2023, written and directed by Jonathan Glazer. It is a joint production between the United Kingdom and Poland, based on the loosely adapted 2014 novel by Martin Amis.
The film centers on the story of Rudolf Höss, the commandant of Auschwitz, and his wife Hedwig, who reside in a house within the Zone of Interest near the concentration camp. Starring as Rudolf and Hedwig are Christian Friedel and Sandra Hüller, respectively.
Instead of focusing on the characters who were inspired by the Hösses, Jonathan Glazer chose to tell the family’s story and conducted thorough research.
The Zone of Interest debuted at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 19, 2023, and was later released in theaters in the United States on December 15, 2023. Critics praised Glazer’s direction and script, and the film’s limited use of music, sound design, cinematography, experimental storytelling, and overall atmosphere.
Under The Skin
In 2013, director Jonathan Glazer and writer Walter Campbell collaborated on the science fiction movie Under the Skin. It was loosely inspired by Michel Faber’s novel from 2000.
The film features Scarlett Johansson as a mysterious woman who hunts men in Scotland. It first debuted at the Telluride Film Festival on August 29, 2013, and was later released in the United Kingdom on March 14, 2014, followed by other countries throughout the year.
Johansson’s performance, Glazer’s direction, and Mica Levi’s score in Under the Skin were highly praised. The film was honored with multiple awards and recognition, named the top film of the year by various critics and publications, including in numerous best-of-the-decade lists, and placed 61st on the BBC’s list of the 100 greatest films of the 21st century.
Birth
Released in 2004, Birth is an American psychological drama movie written and directed by Jonathan Glazer. It features a star-studded cast including Nicole Kidman, Lauren Bacall, Cameron Bright, Danny Huston, Arliss Howard, Peter Stormare, Ted Levine, and Anne Heche.
The plot centers around Anna, who becomes convinced that her deceased husband Sean has been reborn as a 10-year-old boy.
Birth debuted at the 61st Venice International Film Festival and received mixed reactions, with reports of booing and negative comments during its initial press screening. Jonathan Glazer acknowledged the polarizing response, stating that it is a sign of a healthy discussion.
Sexy Beast
Jonathan Glazer made his directorial debut in the 2000 black comedy crime film, Sexy Beast, which was written by Louis Mellis and David Scinto. The cast includes Ray Winstone, Ben Kingsley, and Ian McShane.
The story centers around Gary “Gal” Dove (Winstone), a former criminal who is approached by a violent gang leader (Kingsley) and coerced into participating in a London bank heist.
Kingsley received an Academy Award nomination for his role in Sexy Beast, which was highly praised by critics. In addition, Total Film ranked the film as the 15th best British movie in 2004. Sadly, this was also the last film to include Cavan Kendall, who passed away from cancer shortly after production wrapped up.
