Biography for
Abel Ferrara More at IMDb Pro »

Date of Birth

Mini Biography

Born in the Bronx, Ferrara started making amateur films on Super 8 in his teens before making his debut with violent exploitation films such as 'Driller Killer' and 'Ms.45'. Good reviews for the latter helped create his cult reputation, leading to larger budgets, studio funding and 'name' actors (Christopher Walken, Harvey Keitel), but he still likes taking his camera out onto the meanest streets of New York, as the ultra-cheap, highly controversial 'Bad Lieutenant' demonstrates.

Trade Mark

Frequently casts Christopher Walken, Forest Whitaker, Dennis Hopper, Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, 'David Caruso', Annabella Sciorra, Victor Argo, 'Paul Calderon', Asia Argento, Gretchen Mol, 'Gianclaro Esposito', Zoë Lund and 'Paul Hipp'.

Trivia

Grew up in Peekskill, New York.

Has two adopted daughters.

Went to high school with Nicholas St. John, who has written many of his films.

Visited Sarajevo Film Festival (Bosnia, 8/2006)

Is a close friend of fellow director Michael Mann. Ferrara directed episodes for Mann's TV shows "Miami Vice" (1984) and "Crime Story" (1986). Ferrara also makes private screenings of his films to Mann who, in exchange, gives him tips and advices on editing.

Where Are They Now

(March 2006) He visited Argentina for to promote his film Mary (2005) in Mar del Plata International Film Festival.

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