Director James Foley: From "Glengarry Glen Ross" to "Fifty Shades of Grey" Sequels
Fifty Shades of Grey: A Novel Exploring Sadedomasochistic Relationships and Erotic Desires - "Director James Foley, responsible for the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' installment, has passed away."
Hey there! Let's chat about the talented director James Foley, who has left an indelible mark on Hollywood. The man behind films like "Glengarry Glen Ross" and the "Fifty Shades of Grey" sequels recently passed away due to a brain tumor, his agent confirmed with the New York Times.
At the ripe age of 71, James Foley was not just a gifted filmmaker but a dear friend to many in the industry, as shared by talent manager Florent Lamy of the Los Angeles Times. He left a legacy that's as diverse as it is impressive, touching various genres and collaborations with some of the biggest stars out there.
From Psychological Thrillers to Erotic Dramas
Foley's directorial journey began with "Reckless" in 1984, followed by his Berlin Film Festival debut with the psychological thriller "At Close Range" in 1986. This gritty gangster melodrama featured a powerhouse duo - Christopher Walken and Sean Penn.
Later, Foley cast pop icon Madonna in the comedy "Who's That Girl" (1987). His adaptations spanned across various genres, including film noir with "After Dark, My Sweet" (1990), and crime dramas like "The Chamber" (1996), based on a John Grisham novel.
A Star-Studded Roster
Among the big names that graced Foley's films were Jack Lemmon, Al Pacino, Ed Harris, and Alan Arkin. He directed the drama "Glengarry Glen Ross" about the ruthless world of Chicago real estate, which showcased an ensemble cast of top-tier talents.
In the crime thriller "Fear" (1996), Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon took the lead roles, followed by "The Corruptor" (1999) with Chow Yun-Fat and Mark Wahlberg, and "Confidence" (2003) with Edward Burns. He also helmed "Perfect Stranger" (2007), a thriller featuring Bruce Willis and Halle Berry.
Foley's last films were the sequels to the erotic drama "Fifty Shades of Grey" - "Fifty Shades Darker" (2017) and "Fifty Shades Freed" (2018) – starring Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson. During the 2013-2015 period, he directed 12 episodes of the TV series "House of Cards" featuring Kevin Spacey.
Beyond Films
James Foley wasn't just behind the camera; he also made a name for himself in the music video world, working with Madonna on hits like "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," and "True Blue" under the pseudonym Peter Percher.
Rest in peace, James Foley, a true artist and a dear friend to many in the industry. His work will continue to entertain and inspire for years to come.
- James Foley
- Fifty Shades of Grey
- Fifty Shades Darker
- Fifty Shades Freed
- Glengarry Glen Ross
- Madonna
- Berlin Film Festival
- Al Pacino
- Stars
- Chicago Real Estate
- Talent Agency
- John Grisham
- Hollywood
- Music Videos
- Death
- James Foley, beyond directing films such as "Glengarry Glen Ross" and the Fifty Shades of Grey sequels, also made his mark in the music video industry, working with Madonna on hits like "Live to Tell," "Papa Don't Preach," and "True Blue" under the pseudonym Peter Percher.
- In addition to Hollywood, James Foley's films were also showcased at prestigious events like the Berlin Film Festival, with his debut there being the psychological thriller "At Close Range" in 1986.
- Notable stars who worked with James Foley include Al Pacino, who was part of "Glengarry Glen Ross," and Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, who starred in the Fifty Shades of Grey sequels, Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.
- James Foley's legacy includes not only films but also collaborations with prominent artists like Madonna and a diverse array of genres, from psychological thrillers to erotic dramas and even adaptations based on novels by authors like John Grisham.