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James Foley, the acclaimed director who made his mark with the iconic Glengarry Glen Ross, has sadly passed away at the age of 71. His representative confirmed that he died “peacefully in his sleep earlier this week after battling brain cancer for several years.” This heartbreaking news reminds us of the profound impact he had on the film industry.
Foley’s journey began with his feature directorial debut, Reckless, a thoughtful romantic drama featuring Aidan Quinn and Daryl Hannah. He quickly stepped into the spotlight, collaborating with pop icon Madonna on several unforgettable music videos, including Live to Tell, Papa Don’t Preach, and True Blue. Their partnership peaked with the 1987 screwball comedy Who’s That Girl, showcasing Foley’s adaptability across different formats.
His impressive filmography didn’t stop there. Foley also directed gritty dramas such as At Close Range, After Dark, My Sweet, and The Chamber, before taking the reins of the Fifty Shades franchise from Sam Taylor-Johnson, skillfully directing the final two installments, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.
Foley’s talents extended to television as well, where he directed gripping episodes of acclaimed shows like Twin Peaks, Hannibal, Wayward Pines, and Billions. It was Netflix’s House of Cards that truly defined his television legacy, where he helmed a remarkable dozen episodes. In a 2017 interview with THR, Foley expressed his love for genre-bending storytelling, moving seamlessly between different styles in both film and television.
“What I love is that it’s fluid. I’ve had a very fluid career of ups and downs and lefts and rights,” Foley shared. He emphasized his aversion to being pigeonholed, saying, “So the thing I would say I least like is there is an understandable tendency to, of course, pigeonhole somebody…” His commitment to exploring new genres without being typecast is a lesson that resonates across all forms of storytelling in Hollywood.
Foley continued to reflect on the industry’s duality, noting, “What’s best and what’s worst are almost the same to me… there’s a great thing about Hollywood where it’s not so purely linear.” His career is a testament to the idea that innovation often thrives in environments that embrace versatility.
As I think back on Glengarry Glen Ross, with its sharp dialogue and unforgettable performances, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Perhaps it’s time for a rewatch to celebrate Foley’s dynamic legacy. Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. He will be profoundly missed in the cinematic landscape.
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