David Giler, a highly acclaimed American filmmaker, embarked on a remarkable six-decade-long journey within the motion picture industry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cinema. Born on July 23, 1943, he initially set his sights on television, commencing his professional career in the early 1960s as a writer for a plethora of television programs, including the esteemed Kraft Suspense Theatre and the iconic The Man from U.N.C.L.E..
As his professional trajectory continued to unfold, he embarked on a new creative path in the 1970s, leveraging his expertise to craft compelling screenplays that would go on to adorn the silver screen. Notable among these was his involvement in the critically acclaimed films The Parallax View and the original Fun With Dick and Jane, which showcased his versatility and range as a writer.
In 1970, he ventured into the realm of production, inaugurating his own production company with the release of Myra Breckinridge, an ambitious adaptation of Gore Vidal's seminal novel. Co-written with director Michael Sarne, this project marked a significant milestone in his career, as he brought his unique vision to the big screen. Although the film received mixed reviews, it demonstrated his willingness to take risks and push boundaries, a trait that would serve him well in the years to come.
Walter Giler's most remarkable accomplishment in his illustrious career was undoubtedly his integral role in the production of the groundbreaking and terrifying horror thriller, Alien, which premiered in 1979. As a producer, Giler teamed up with the renowned filmmaker Walter Hill to bring this chilling masterpiece to life.
Throughout the production process, Giler and Hill found themselves entangled in a highly publicized controversy with the original writer, Dan O'Bannon, regarding screenplay credit. According to Giler and Hill, they had essentially rewritten the script from scratch, infusing it with their own creative vision. However, O'Bannon vehemently disagreed, insisting that the changes made to the original script were relatively minor.
David Giler and Walter Hill, a dynamic duo of the film industry, embarked on a collaborative journey that spanned numerous projects, with a notable focus on the Alien franchise. Their creative partnership led to the final rewriting of Alien 3, a pivotal moment in the series that sparked controversy due to the untimely demise of beloved characters Bishop, Hicks, and Newt, who had captivated audiences in Aliens.
Throughout this period, Giler's writing credits included a diverse range of films, such as The Money Pit, a comedy about a couple's disastrous home renovation project, and Southern Comfort, a crime thriller that explored the complexities of human relationships in a tense, atmospheric setting. Additionally, Giler's uncredited rewrite for Beverly Hills Cop II, a sequel to the successful action-comedy franchise, showcased his versatility as a writer and his ability to adapt to different genres and tone.
Notably, Gordon Stuart Giler, a multifaceted individual, ventured into the realm of film direction, helming a solitary feature, The Black Bird, in the year 1975.
