Joseph Minion is a highly acclaimed American film director and screenwriter, whose notable contributions to the cinematic world have garnered significant attention and recognition. Specifically, his work on the cult classic film "After Hours", released in 1985, under the direction of the renowned Martin Scorsese, has been widely praised and remains a staple of his impressive filmography.
Born in the year 1957 in the state of New Jersey, Minion's innate passion for filmmaking was evident from an early age. This interest ultimately led him to briefly pursue his studies at the prestigious New York University Film School, where he was exposed to the technical and creative aspects of filmmaking. However, Minion's academic journey took an interesting turn when he decided to complete his studies at Columbia University, which at that time was renowned for its highly respected and competitive screenwriting program.
In 1984, the script for After Hours, penned by Minion, caught the attention of Griffin Dunne and Amy Robinson, a duo who had previously collaborated on various projects. Robinson, a talented actress who had previously appeared in Martin Scorsese's iconic film Mean Streets, played a pivotal role in bringing the screenplay to Scorsese's notice. At the time, Scorsese was still reeling from the disappointing outcome of his previous project, Last Temptation of Christ, which had failed to materialize. Undeterred, Robinson's enthusiasm and persistence ultimately led to Scorsese's involvement in the project, with production on After Hours commencing shortly thereafter.
Not long after the release of the highly anticipated film, a storm of controversy began to brew, as it was uncovered that the individual responsible for its creation, Minion, had allegedly lifted significant portions of the screenplay from renowned radio host, Joe Frank.
Frank, a well-known figure in the world of radio broadcasting, had spent countless hours crafting his unique brand of storytelling, and it appears that Minion saw fit to borrow heavily from his work without proper permission or credit.
The matter eventually made its way to court, where Frank successfully sued Minion for an undisclosed sum, bringing an end to the legal proceedings and serving as a stern warning to would-be plagiarists.
Despite the controversy, the film itself remains a beloved and entertaining masterpiece, one that continues to delight audiences to this very day.
Notwithstanding the temporary obstacle, Minion persisted in his career as a screenwriter, authoring scripts for various films, including the 1987 release "Julia and Julia", which starred the talented Kathleen Turner, as well as the 1989 release "Vampire's Kiss", featuring a memorable performance by Nicolas Cage.
Additionally, Minion contributed to the 1991 film "Motorama" and the 1999 film "On the Run". Furthermore, he reunited with his esteemed collaborator, Martin Scorsese, in 1986 to co-create an episode of the acclaimed television series "Amazing Stories".
Minion's inaugural foray into the realm of direction unfolded with the release of the modestly budgeted film "Daddy's Boys" in the year 1987. This inaugural endeavour was brought to fruition by the renowned producer Roger Corman, who reportedly expedited the production of "Daddy's Boys" at the eleventh hour in order to capitalize on the existing sets constructed for the film "Big Bad Mama II".
Noted filmmaker Minion has consistently showcased his adaptability and diverse skill set throughout his illustrious career, effortlessly transitioning between television and film projects.
