Mike Figgis Biography
Michael Figgis is an English composer, film director, and screenwriter, who was nominated for two Academy Awards for his work in Leaving Las Vegas. Also, Figgis was the founding patron of the independent filmmakers’ online community Shooting People.
Figgis embraced the creative possibilities of digital cinema, pushing boundaries and inspiring other filmmakers to experiment with the medium. His innovative approach contributed to the democratization of filmmaking, making it more accessible and affordable for aspiring filmmakers.
Beyond directing, Mike Figgis is a multidisciplinary artist who has also made significant contributions as a composer and visual artist. He has composed music for many of his films, infusing them with unique sonic textures and creating a seamless integration of sound and image. Figgis’s ability to bridge different artistic disciplines and seamlessly combine them in his work showcases the possibilities of interdisciplinary collaboration and has expanded the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.
10 Quick Facts About Mike Figgis
- Name: Mike Figgis
- Age: 75 Years (2023)
- Birthday: 28 February
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Height: 6 feet 0 inches (1.83m)
- Nationality: British
- Occupation: Film Director, Screenwriter, and Composer
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Salary: To be Updated
- Net worth: $1.9 million
Mike Figgis Age
Figgis is 75 years old as of 2023, he was born on 28 February 1948, in Carlisle, United Kingdom. He celebrates his birthday on 28 February every year and his birth sign is Pisces.
Mike Figgis Height
Figgis stands at a height of 6 feet 0 inches (1.83m) tall.
Mike Figgis Weight
Figgis weighs 61 kg (134 lbs).
Early Life and Education
Figgis was born on February 28, 1948, in Carlisle, Cumberland, England. He grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, until the age of eight, when his family returned to England and settled in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Figgis’s early interest was in music. He played trumpet and guitar in The People Band and is audible in their first record (produced by Charlie Watts) in 1968. He also played keyboards for Bryan Ferry’s first band.
In 1970, Figgis moved to London to study music at the Royal Academy of Music. After graduating, he worked as a session musician and composer. He also began to write plays and direct theater productions.
Rise to Fame
Figgis rose to fame in the 1990s with a string of critically acclaimed films, including Internal Affairs, Leaving Las Vegas, and Timecode.
Internal Affairs (1990) was a neo-noir thriller starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro as two detectives who are investigating corruption in the New York City Police Department. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it earned Figgis an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.
Leaving Las Vegas (1995) was a romantic drama starring Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue as a writer who travels to Las Vegas to commit suicide and a prostitute who falls in love with him. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it won Cage the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Mike Figgis Parents
Figgis was born in Carlisle, United Kingdom as the son of John Figgis (father) an Irish colonial who had been educated in England. He became a pilot during the war and became an alcoholic at that point. He died in 1988. His mother is Kathleen Figgis (mother), a beautiful woman and a brilliant typist. She worked for Hemingway for a while in Nairobi and was a great storyteller. She died in 2016.
Mike Figgis Siblings
Figgis spent his childhood alongside his two brothers; Daniel Figgis, and Jason Figgis. Daniel Figgis is a former child actor who has worked as a producer and director. He is the founder of the production company October Eleven Pictures, while Jason Figgis is a musician and composer who has worked with his brother on several films, including Leaving Las Vegas and Timecode.
Mike Figgis Wife
Figgis was in a relationship with Saffron Burrows. The two have separated just recently after Saffron Burrows left him.
Mike Figgis Children
Figgis is the proud father of two children namely Arlen Figgis and Louis Figgis from his previous relationships.
Mike Figgis Net Worth
Figgis has an estimated net worth of $1.9 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money, and income. His primary source of income is his career as a Film Director, Screenwriter, and Composer. Through his various sources of income, Figgis has been able to accumulate good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Facts and Body Measurements
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Mike Figgis.
Mike Figgis Wiki
- Full Names: Michael Figgis
- Popular As: Film Director
- Gender: Male
- Occupation / Profession: Film Director, Screenwriter, and Composer
- Nationality: British
- Race / Ethnicity: White
- Religion: To be Updated
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Mike Figgis Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 75 Years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Pisces
- Date of Birth: 28 February 1948
- Place of Birth: Carlisle, United Kingdom
- Birthday: 28 February
Mike Figgis Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: 41-31-17 inches
- Height / How Tall?: 6 feet 0 inches (1.83m)
- Weight: 61 kg (134 lbs)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Light Brown
- Shoe Size: To be Updated
- Chest Size: 41 inches
- Waist Size: 31 inches
- Biceps: 17 inches
Mike Figgis Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): John Figgis
- Mother: Kathleen Figgis
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Daniel Figgis, and Jason Figgis
- Marital Status: Divorced
- Dating / Girlfriend: To be Updated
- Children: Arlen and Louis Figgis
Mike Figgis Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $1.9 Million
- Salary: To be Updated
- Source of Income: Film Director, Screenwriter, and Composer
Career
Figgis is a British film director, screenwriter, and composer. He has directed over 20 films, including Stormy Monday (1988), Internal Affairs (1990), Leaving Las Vegas (1995), Timecode (2000), and Hotel (2001). He has also written several operas, including The Loss of Sexual Innocence (1999) and Miss Julie (1999). In the early 1980s, he began directing short films and television commercials. His first feature film, Stormy Monday, was released in 1988.
Figgis’s films are known for their complex characters, stylish visuals, and use of music. He has been praised for his ability to create films that are both visually arresting and emotionally resonant. Leaving Las Vegas, which starred Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue, was a critical and commercial success. It won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay and was nominated for three other awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
He has continued to make films throughout the 2000s and 2010s. His most recent film, The Loss of Sexual Innocence, was released in 2012. He has also directed episodes of several television series, including The Sopranos and The Affair.
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Stormy Monday was Figgis’s first feature film, and it was shot in his hometown of Newcastle. The film’s gritty realism was influenced by Figgis’s own experiences growing up in the city.
Internal Affairs was a critical and commercial success, and it marked Figgis’s entry into the Hollywood mainstream. The film was shot in New York City, and Figgis was inspired by the city’s energy and diversity.
Leaving Las Vegas was a critical and commercial triumph, and it won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay. The film was shot on location in Las Vegas, and Figgis was drawn to the city’s dark glamour and sense of desperation.
Figgis has also traveled extensively for personal reasons. He has visited many countries in Europe, Asia, and South America. He has also spent time in Africa, where he has worked on several documentary films.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable, and Community Involvement
Figgis has worked with a number of charitable organizations, including Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and the World Wildlife Fund. He has also donated his time and money to support a number of causes, including the fight against AIDS, poverty, and homelessness.
Figgis has also used his films to raise awareness of social issues. His film “Leaving Las Vegas” (1995), for example, explored the issue of alcoholism. The film won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay and helped to raise awareness of the disease.
Figgis is a passionate advocate for social justice. He believes that artists have a responsibility to use their work to make a difference in the world. He is a role model for other artists who want to use their work to make a positive impact.
He has donated his time and money to support a number of charitable organizations, including Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and the World Wildlife Fund.
Mike Figgis Leaving Las Vegas
Leaving Las Vegas is a 1995 American drama film written and directed by Mike Figgis and based on the semi-autobiographical 1990 novel of the same name by John O’Brien. Nicolas Cage stars as a suicidal alcoholic in Los Angeles who, having lost his family and been recently fired, has decided to move to Las Vegas and drink himself to death.
He loads a supply of liquor and beer into his BMW and gets drunk as he drives from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Once there, he develops a romantic relationship with a sex worker played by Elisabeth Shue, and the film shifts to include her narrative perspective.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $56 million worldwide against a budget of $25 million. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Cage, and Best Actress for Shue. Cage won the award for Best Actor, and the film also won the award for Best Cinematography.
Mike Figgis Timecode
Timecode is a 2000 experimental film written and directed by Mike Figgis and featuring a large ensemble cast, including Salma Hayek, Stellan Skarsgård, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Suzy Nakamura, Kyle MacLachlan, Saffron Burrows, Holly Hunter, Julian Sands, Xander Berkeley, Leslie Mann, and Mía Maestro.
The film is constructed from four continuous 93-minute takes that were filmed simultaneously by four cameras; the screen is divided into quarters, and the four shots are shown simultaneously. The film explores the lives of four people who are connected by a single event: the shooting of a television commercial.
Mike Figgis Sopranos
Figgis directed the 10th episode of the fifth season of The Sopranos, titled “Cold Cuts”. The episode aired on May 9, 2004.
In the episode, Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) and his crew are dealing with the fallout from the murder of Ralph Cifaretto (Joe Pantoliano). Chris Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli) is struggling with his guilt over the murder, and he is also dealing with the fact that his mother, Livia (Nancy Marchand), is dying.
Meanwhile, Carmela Soprano (Edie Falco) is trying to keep her family together in the midst of all the chaos. She is also dealing with her own guilt over her affair with Furio Giunta (Federico Castelluccio).
Mike Figgis Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
- Academy Award for Best Screenplay (1996) for “Leaving Las Vegas”
- Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay (1996) for “Leaving Las Vegas”
- BAFTA Award for Best Direction (1996) for “Leaving Las Vegas”
- Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures (1996) for “Leaving Las Vegas”
- Independent Spirit Award for Best Director (1996) for “Leaving Las Vegas”
- New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Film (1995) for “Leaving Las Vegas”
Legacy
Here are some aspects of Mike Figgis’s legacy:
Figgis is known for his willingness to experiment with narrative structures, challenging traditional storytelling conventions. Films like “Timecode,” shot in real-time with four split screens, exemplify his innovative approach. His exploration of unconventional storytelling techniques has inspired and influenced other filmmakers, pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible in cinema.
Figgis has developed a distinct visual style characterized by atmospheric lighting, moody tones, and a sense of heightened realism. His meticulous attention to visual details creates a unique atmosphere that enhances the emotional impact of his stories. Figgis’s visual aesthetics have influenced cinematographers and filmmakers, leaving a lasting impact on the craft of visual storytelling.
Quotes
Final Thought
Figgis is a true original, and his films are a testament to his creativity and passion. He is an inspiration to filmmakers everywhere, and his work will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mike Figgis
Michael Figgis is an English composer, film director, and screenwriter, who was nominated for two Academy Awards for his work in Leaving Las Vegas. Also, Figgis was the founding patron of the independent filmmakers’ online community Shooting People.
Figgis is a British national born on 28 February 1948, in Carlisle, United Kingdom.
Figgis stands at a height of 6 feet 0 inches (1.83m) tall.
Figgis was in a relationship with Saffron Burrows.
Figgis has an approximate net worth of $1.9 Million. This amount has been accrued from his leading roles in the entertainment industry.
Details about Figgis’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much he makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Because of security reasons, Figgis has not shared his precise location of residence. We will update this if we get the location and images of his house.
Figgis is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of him being sick or having any health-related issues.
Figgis is currently conducting intensive summer seminars.
Mike Figgis Contacts
- Youtube
- Tiktok
- Website
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