Biography

Richard Donner

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Richard Donner was born on April 24, 1930 in The Bronx, New York City, New York, USA. He was a director and producer, known for Superman (1978), Ladyhawke (1985) and The Goonies (1985). He was married to Lauren Shuler Donner. He died on July 5, 2021 in Los Angeles, California, USA.

Frequently casts Mel Gibson
Frequently casts Steve Kahan
Features human free-fall stunts in nearly all his films
Long shots looking at actors through gaps in scenery or between other actors in the scene
Shots from waist level or below looking up at actors

Was considered to direct Batman (1989), and had Mel Gibson in mind for the role of Batman.
He has directed two films that have been selected for the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant: Superman (1978) and The Goonies (1985).
Was actively pursued by Michael Crichton to direct Jurassic Park (1993).
Originally directed Superman (1978) and Superman II (1980) back-to-back, then cut back on filming the sequel to focus on finishing the first one for a Christmas release. A clash with producers Alexander Salkind and Ilya Salkind over the material led to Donner being fired before he could finish filming the second one and he was replaced by Richard Lester. Donner later estimated that he had directed 80% of the sequel and saw about 50% of his work in the theatrical film.
Originally intended to direct The Lost Boys (1987) himself, but as production languished, he moved onto Lethal Weapon (1987) and eventually hired Joel Schumacher for the job. He still served as executive producer.

[acknowledging Geoffrey Unsworth for developing the photography process that made the flying scenes in Superman (1978) possible] If it hadn't been for Geoffrey Unsworth, we wouldn't have had a movie.
[on Mel Gibson] Mel Gibson is God's gift to a director, but he tells the worst jokes in the world.
[on Mel Gibson] The most exciting thing that's come into my life as an actor and a friend. He's a very special human being.
[on László Kovács, cinematographer] He is and was such a genius. He loved light so much. He and Vilmos [cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond]. It was like you'd toss a coin. "Who are we going to get? Who's available? Get me one of them Hungarians!"
[on Christopher Reeve] He's the real-life Superman. I know I will see him walk again.