Phil Alden Robinson

PHIL ALDEN ROBINSON

Date of Birth: March 1, 1950

Born and raised in Long Island, New York, Robinson attended Union College in Schenectady, N.Y. where he studied political science and worked in local radio and television news. Following graduation, he found work with the U.S. Air Force writing and directing training films. He soon left that job and began producing, writing and directing more training and educational films, but for the corporate sector.

After completing his first commercial assignment, Robinson wrote two episodes for the series Trapper John, M.D. Upon proving he could write a screenplay, he was hired to write a script based on the song, Rhinestone Cowboy, which eventually became the feature film, Rhinestone (1984). When the film was completed, Robinson took his name off the credits because the final product had virtually nothing to do with his screenplay.

The same year Rhinestone was released, another of Robinson's screenplays, All of Me, opened in theatres. Starring Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin, the comedy was about the spirit of a dead women entering the body of a man. It was a great success and garnered Robertson more work in the film industry.

In the early 80's, Robinson took the chance to direct a couple of episodes of The George Burns Comedy Week series. His competence in the assignments gave studios enough confidence to allow him to direct his own screenplay, In the Mood (1987). The film became a critical success for both his writing and directing. He struck gold with his next film, Field of Dreams (1989), which garnered over $60 million at the box office and an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. His follow-up, Sneakers (1992) met with less critical acclaim, though a generally favourable reception.

The late 90's saw Robinson back in the director's chair for the small screen, directing the critically acclaimed television film Freedom Song (which he also wrote) and the first episode of the war mini-series, Band of Brothers. Robinson returned the feature film work in the early 21st century with the action/adventure The Sum of All Fears (2002).

Filmography (director):

The Sum of All Fears (2002)
Sneakers (1992)
Field of Dreams (1989)
In the Mood (1987)

Filmography (writer):

Sneakers (1992)
Relentless (1989)
Field of Dreams (1989)
In the Mood (1987)
All of Me (1984)
Rhinestone (1984)