Mike Newell

After first establishing himself as a craftsman of character-driven dramas and lighthearted romantic comedies in his native England, director Mike Newell ventured across the pond to direct several acclaimed American films, as well as a few major Hollywood blockbusters. Newell became known on British television with his acclaimed adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' "The Man in the Iron Mask" (ITC, 1977) before making his feature film debut with the graphic horror movie, "The Awakening" (1980). Having established himself within a diversity of genres, he was free to choose his own course, which eventually led to the acclaimed biographical drama, "Dance With a Stranger" (1985), and the charming romantic comedy, "Enchanted April" (1991). Newell became an international name thanks to "Four Weddings and a Funeral" (1994), a witty romantic comedy that helped turn Hugh Grant into a star. Taking a decidedly American turn, he directed the gritty crime drama, "Donnie Brasco" (1997), only to follow with the underwhelming "Pushing Tin" (1999). But by the time he directed major blockbuster movies like "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (2005) and "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" (2010), Newell was an artist capable of directing just about anything he wanted with equal skill.