Curtis Hanson dies at 71

Tributes pour in for L.A. Confidential director.

by Jennie Kermode

Curtis Hanson
Curtis Hanson Photo: David Shankbone

Stars including Russell Crowe, James Woods and Tobey Maguire have today paid tribute to Curtis Hanson, who has died of natural causes at his Hollywood home. Aged 71, Hanson, whose films included L.A. Confidential and Wonder Boys, is believed to have suffered from Alzheimer's disease for some years.

Crowe thanked the director for making his acting into a real carer, while others praised him in a similar way, with Eminem saying that Hanson had made him into an actor for 8 Mile. Rob Lowe, who starred in Bad Influence, described him as smart, kind and a great storyteller.

Hanson, who started out as a screenwriter with an adaptation of HP Lovecraft's The Dunwich Horror, was known for his eclectic interests. His other successes included The River Wild and The Hand That Rocks The Cradle. He last worked in 2012, co-directing Chasing Mavericks with Michael Apted.

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