Biography

He was originally going to direct Rain Man (1988) but abruptly bailed when production was due to start due to "creative differences". Steven Spielberg stepped in but left after a few months, followed by Sydney Pollack who eventually left as well, leaving the project without a director until Barry Levinson signed on.

Directed one Oscar winning performance: Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman (1992).

Ben Affleck thanked Brest upon accepting the Best Picture Oscar for Argo (2012), saying it was on the set of Gigli (2003) that he learned to direct.

He was widely known as a perfectionist who nonetheless created a good nurturing environment for actors to do their best work and try out new ideas.

Was the original director of WarGames (1983) but was replaced by John Badham. Several of Brest's scenes still remain in the film.

I think people who make movies start out with kind of lofty ideals. But it's work that conspires to put you into a cold, clinical professional mode very quickly. What I keep telling myself is that in making any movie, I've got to reflect and convey to the people I work with the reasons why I wanted to get into the business in the first place.[1988]

[after being fired from WarGames (1983)] ...suddenly everybody said there must be something wrong with me. 'The wunderkind had fallen.' I was scared. My next film could have been my last. I wanted to make sure that the next job I took would be absolutely brilliant.

I feel in a peculiar way like an astronaut when I'm making a film. I shed all my humanistic characteristics when I'm working. I don't eat a lot, don't sleep much and, other than what I'm addressing in the film, don't carry on too many conversations. I'd like to be able to do other things, to contemplate what I'll do next, after we've finished shooting for the day, but I can't.[1988]

[after his Midnight Run (1988) crew quit after 5 weeks] My job is to create an environment where people can do their best work. Therefore, it's essential you share a common attitude with your collaborators. Generally, my instincts about who I'm compatible with are pretty good. This time, I made a mistake.[1988]

I pursued film because I thought this was the coolest job. I loved the idea of working with writers and musicians and photographers and actors at the same time. It sounds corny but the opportunity to work with Robert De Niro was a dream come true for me. I truly am happiest in a working environment where I can encourage and create surprises.[1988]