Barbara De Fina

Biography

Barbara De Fina is an American film producer known for her collaborations with legendary director Martin Scorsese. With a career spanning several decades, De Fina has been involved in producing some of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Her work reflects a deep understanding of storytelling, visual aesthetics, and the complexities of film production.

Early Life and Background

Barbara De Fina was born in the United States, though specific details about her early life remain relatively private. She developed a passion for cinema early on and pursued a career in the film industry, working her way up to become one of Hollywood’s most respected producers.

Career in Film Production

Barbara De Fina began her career in the 1980s and quickly became known for her keen eye for detail and ability to manage complex productions. Her breakthrough came when she started working with Martin Scorsese, a collaboration that would define much of her career.

Collaboration with Martin Scorsese

De Fina produced several of Scorsese’s most acclaimed films, helping to bring his cinematic visions to life. Some of the most notable films she produced include:

• After Hours (1985) – A dark comedy thriller that explores the bizarre experiences of a man lost in New York City at night.
• The Color of Money (1986) – A sequel to The Hustler, starring Paul Newman and Tom Cruise, which earned Newman an Academy Award.
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• The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) – A controversial yet critically acclaimed adaptation of Nikos Kazantzakis’ novel, starring Willem Dafoe as Jesus Christ.
• Goodfellas (1990) – One of the greatest crime films of all time, chronicling the rise and fall of mobster Henry Hill.
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• Cape Fear (1991) – A psychological thriller starring Robert De Niro as a vengeful ex-convict.
• Casino (1995) – A crime epic exploring the rise and fall of a Las Vegas casino empire, starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone.
• Kundun (1997) – A biographical drama about the early life of the 14th Dalai Lama.
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De Fina’s work with Scorsese was instrumental in shaping the visual and narrative style of these films. She was known for her ability to balance artistic integrity with the logistical demands of large-scale productions.

Other Notable Projects

Beyond her work with Scorsese, De Fina produced a range of films across different genres. Some of her other notable projects include:

• Mad Dog and Glory (1993) – A crime-comedy starring Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, and Bill Murray.
• Bringing Out the Dead (1999) – A psychological drama directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Nicolas Cage.
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• You Can Count on Me (2000) – An independent drama starring Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo, which received critical acclaim.
• The Young Victoria (2009) – A historical drama about the early life of Queen Victoria, starring Emily Blunt.

Her versatility as a producer allowed her to work on both major Hollywood films and smaller, character-driven projects.

Personal Life

Barbara De Fina was married to Martin Scorsese for several years before their divorce. Despite their separation, they continued to collaborate professionally on numerous projects.