James Foley, ‘Glengarry Glen Ross,’ ‘House of Cards’ Director, Dies at 71

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James Foley, the director behind movies such as “Glengarry Glen Ross,” “At Close Range,” and “Fear,” passed away recently.

A rep told the Hollywood Reporter he had died of brain cancer.

Foley collaborated with celebrities like Sean Penn, Madonna, Al Pacino, and Halle Berry, and was known for crafting tales steeped in atmospheric mystery, bordering on film noir styles.

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Foley has worked alongside stars such as Sean Penn, Madonna, Al Pacino, and Halle Berry, and is recognized for creating stories drenched in a mysterious atmosphere, with hints of the film noir genre.

In 1984, his debut production was the musical romance drama “Reckless,” featuring Daryl Hannah and Aidan Quinn. This was followed by “At Close Range,” a neo-noir film starring Sean Penn and Christopher Walken, which also included Madonna’s song “Live to Tell.” Notably, at this time, Madonna was married to Penn. Foley subsequently collaborated with Madonna on several projects, directing her music videos and the movie “Who’s That Girl.” Unfortunately, “Who’s That Girl” was a flop, but Foley later reflected on it as a “major life experience,” especially given his first taste of failure.

One of his most notable movies was “Glengarry Glen Ross,” which brought him both an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe prize, thanks to its adaption from the David Mamet play. The stellar ensemble featured Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Ed Harris, Alan Arkin, among others.

Apart from directing the original “Fifty Shades of Grey”, Foley is known for overseeing the production of both its subsequent films, as well as 12 individual episodes within the television show “House of Cards.

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but reminisce about the gripping 1990 crime thriller, “After Dark, My Sweet,” which left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Starring Rachel Ward, Jason Patric, and Bruce Dern, this film is often hailed as a standout example of California film noir. In the words of esteemed critic EbMaster, “Director-cowriter James Foley has breathed new life into this near-perfect adaptation of a Jim Thompson novel by setting it in contemporary times and infusing it with emotional realism that makes it as potent as a venomous snakebite.

Foley also showcased movies like “Two Bits” featuring Pacino, “Confidence,” “Perfect Stranger” with Halle Berry and Bruce Willis, “The Chamber”, and “The Corrupter” starring Chow-yun Fat and Mark Wahlberg.

On TV, he took charge of one episode in the initial run of “Twin Peaks,” followed by stints as a director for shows such as “House of Cards,” “Billions,” “Wayward Pines,” and “Hannibal.

Originating from Brooklyn, he encountered Hal Ashby, director of “Harold and Maude”, during a student film presentation at USC. Ashby expressed appreciation for the work and proposed forming a company to produce films, inquiring about Foley’s aspirations. Though Ashby’s company eventually ran out of funds, the connection proved instrumental in securing Foley his first directorial assignment, “Reckless”.

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2025-05-09 00:42