John Dahl Biography

Fast Facts

• Won the Franklin J․ Schaffner Award from the American Film Institute in 2003
• Started his college education at the University of Montana, but transferred to Montana State University's School of Film and Photography, from which he graduated with a film degree, then studied at the AFI Conservatory in Los Angeles
• Became interested in film when he saw "A Clockwork Orange" when he was 17
• Quote: "(On the film "A Clockwork Orange) "It was the first film I saw that made me realize that somebody has to make this stuff․ Somebody has to build those sets․ Somebody has to paint those paintings․ All of a sudden it became accessible․""
• Known for working in the neo-noir genre, a modernized version of film-noir
• His first two films he directed, "Kill Me Again" and "Red Rock West," helped him make a name for himself in the entertainment industry
• Sang in a punk rock band called "The Pugs" during college