Robert Towne

Biography

Robert Towne, born Robert Bertram Schwartz on November 23, 1934, in Los Angeles, California, is an acclaimed American screenwriter, producer, director, and actor. Best known for his work on the neo-noir classic Chinatown (1974), Towne is regarded as one of the greatest screenwriters in Hollywood history. His career spans over six decades, influencing modern storytelling with his sharp dialogue, intricate plots, and deep character studies.

In San Pedro, California, Towne attended Pomona College before diving into the film industry. His early years were marked by small writing jobs and collaborations with legendary filmmaker Roger Corman, which laid the foundation for his future success.

Career Highlights

Early Work and Breakthrough

Towne began his career writing for low-budget films under Roger Corman, an influential director and producer known for giving many Hollywood legends their start. During this period, Towne wrote The Last Woman on Earth (1960) and Creature from the Haunted Sea (1961), showcasing his emerging talent.

However, his breakthrough came in the late 1960s when he contributed to films like Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and The Godfather (1972) (for which he did uncredited script work). His skill in refining and enhancing screenplays made him a sought-after script doctor in Hollywood.

Chinatown and Hollywood Stardom

Towne reached the pinnacle of his career with Chinatown (1974), a gripping neo-noir mystery directed by Roman Polanski and starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway. The screenplay, often hailed as one of the greatest ever written, won Towne an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The film's tight narrative, complex themes, and unforgettable dialogue cemented his reputation as one of the industry's finest writers.

Following Chinatown, Towne wrote and directed Personal Best (1982) and Tequila Sunrise (1988), both of which received mixed reviews but showcased his distinctive storytelling style.

Later Career and Legacy

Towne continued to contribute to Hollywood, working on films like The Two Jakes (1990) (a sequel to Chinatown), Days of Thunder (1990), and Mission: Impossible (1996). While some of his later projects didn't achieve the same critical success as Chinatown, his influence on screenwriting remained undeniable.

In addition to screenwriting, Towne has served as a mentor for aspiring writers and filmmakers. His work has inspired generations, with his storytelling techniques often studied in film schools worldwide.

Awards and Recognition

• Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay (Chinatown, 1974)
• BAFTA Award for Best Screenplay (Chinatown, 1974)
• WGA Laurel Award for Screenwriting Achievement (1997)
• Multiple nominations for his contributions to cinema