Mini Biography
A bright child, he begins reading novels before age 9. Williams grad, in 1972 shuns corporate career to work various blue collar jobs. Goes to East Boston to take a factory job. Writes stories submitted to magazines for publication. "Atlantic Monthly" replies with idea of making one into a novel -- "Pride of the Bimbos" is published 1975. In late 70s, works for Roger Corman as screenwriter. Takes part of writing wages, hires friends, shoots Return of the Secaucus Seven, in 25 days. Then has trouble financing films, for he won't trade right of final cut for funding. _Baby, It's You (1983)_ , Sayles' only film made under studio control. Tax-free income of $32,000/year for 5 years starts 1983 from MacArthur Foundation Fellowship. Stipend and money from writing scripts like The Clan of the Cave Bear (1986), Enormous Changes at the Last Minute (1983), Breaking In (1989), are put into the films he writes, directs, and edits. Sayles still backs his own work with script rewrite fees. Lone Star (1996), places Sayles with top American filmmakers. In it and his other films, a broadly appealing social consciousness emerges proving Sayles to be one concerned with what's going on with regional cultures, national values, and with what living in USA is like today. Sayles and Maggie Renzi whom he met at college, have lived together since 1970s, splitting their time between a Hoboken, N.J. house, and a farm in upstate New York. They have no plans to marry.
Mini Biography By:
Bob Shields
Nominated for 2 Oscars.
Another
21 wins
&
17 nominations