Introduction to Phil Joanou
Phil Joanou is a filmmaker who has worked in various genres and mediums, from documentaries to thrillers, from music videos to feature films. He is best known for his association with the Irish rock band U2, whom he met in 1986 and directed their concert film "Rattle and Hum" in 1988. He also directed several of their music videos, such as "Where the Streets Have No Name", "One Tree Hill", and "All I Want Is You".
Joanou was born in La Cañada Flintridge, California, in 1961. He attended the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts, where he made his first short film, "Last Chance Dance", which won a Student Academy Award in 1984. He then joined Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment as a director and producer, working on projects such as "Amazing Stories" and "Three O'Clock High". He made his feature film debut with "Three O'Clock High" in 1987, a comedy about a high school nerd who has to face a bully in a fistfight.
A Glimpse into Phil Joanou's Filmography
Joanou has directed nine feature films so far, spanning different genres and styles. Here are some of his notable works:
The Veil (2016)
"The Veil" is a horror film starring Jessica Alba, Thomas Jane, and Lily Rabe. It tells the story of a documentary crew that investigates a cult that committed mass suicide 25 years ago. They discover that the cult leader, Jim Jacobs (Jane), had experimented with a mysterious substance that could bring the dead back to life. The film explores themes of faith, death, and resurrection, as well as the dark secrets of the cult.
Gridiron Gang (2006)
Gridiron Gang" is a sports drama film starring Dwayne Johnson, Xzibit, and Kevin Dunn. It is based on the true story of Sean Porter (Johnson), a juvenile detention center counselor who forms a football team with the inmates to teach them discipline and self-respect. The film follows the struggles and triumphs of the team as they compete against other high schools. The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike, earning praise for its inspirational message and Johnson's performance.
Entropy (1999)
"Entropy" is a semi-autobiographical film starring Stephen Dorff, Judith Godrèche, Kelly Macdonald, and Jon Tenney. It chronicles the life and career of Jake Walsh (Dorff), a young filmmaker who falls in love with a French model (Godrèche) while making a documentary about U2. The film depicts the ups and downs of their relationship, as well as Jake's struggles with fame, creativity, and addiction. The film features cameo appearances by U2 members Bono and The Edge.
Heaven's Prisoners (1996)
Heaven's Prisoners" is a crime thriller film starring Alec Baldwin, Kelly Lynch, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Eric Roberts. It is based on the novel by James Lee Burke, featuring his recurring character Dave Robicheaux (Baldwin), a former New Orleans detective who becomes involved in a web of corruption and violence after rescuing a young girl from a plane crash. The film showcases Joanou's flair for suspense and action, as well as his ability to create complex characters.
Final Analysis (1992)
Final Analysis" is a psychological thriller film starring Richard Gere, Kim Basinger, Uma Thurman, and Eric Roberts. It follows the affair between Dr. Isaac Barr (Gere), a psychiatrist who treats Diana Baylor (Thurman), a woman who suffers from multiple personality disorder, and her sister Heather Evans (Basinger), who is married to an abusive mobster (Roberts). The film twists and turns as Isaac becomes entangled in a murder plot involving Heather and her husband. The film was praised for its stylish direction and atmospheric cinematography.
State of Grace (1990)
State of Grace" is a crime drama film starring Sean Penn, Ed Harris, Gary Oldman, Robin Wright Penn, and John Turturro. It is set in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, where Terry Noonan (Penn) returns after 10 years to infiltrate his childhood friends' Irish mob, led by Frankie Flannery (Harris) and his brother Jackie (Oldman). Terry also rekindles his romance with Frankie's sister Kathleen (Wright Penn), who is unaware of his true motives. The film explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, as well as the changing landscape of the city. The film was acclaimed for its performances, especially by Oldman, who was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Phil Joanou's Collaboration with U2
One of the most distinctive aspects of Joanou's career is his long-standing collaboration with U2, one of the most influential and successful bands in the world. Joanou first met U2 in 1986, when he was hired to direct a segment of their concert film "U2: Live at Red Rocks". He impressed the band with his vision and enthusiasm, and they invited him to join them on their Joshua Tree Tour as their official filmmaker. He documented their concerts, backstage moments, and travels across America, resulting in the documentary "Rattle and Hum" in 1988.
Rattle and Hum (1988)
Rattle and Hum" is a documentary film that captures U2's journey from their breakthrough album "The Joshua Tree" to their exploration of American music and culture. The film features live performances of songs from "The Joshua Tree" and new material, as well as interviews and footage of the band's interactions with legends such as B.B. King, Bob Dylan, and The Harlem Gospel Choir. The film showcases U2's musical evolution and experimentation, as well as their passion and charisma. The film was a commercial and critical success, grossing over $34 million worldwide and receiving positive reviews from critics.
Beyond the Films - Phil Joanou's Influence
Apart from his feature films and documentaries, Joanou has also made a significant impact in the world of music videos. He has directed over 20 music videos for artists such as U2, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Bon Jovi, Bob Seger, and George Michael. He has won several awards for his work, including a Grammy Award for Best Music Video for U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" in 1989, and three MTV Video Music Awards for U2's "One Tree Hill" in 1988, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' "Runnin' Down a Dream" in 1990, and George Michael's "Father Figure" in 1991.
Joanou's influence can also be seen in his mentorship of young filmmakers, such as David Fincher, Michael Bay, Antoine Fuqua, and Brett Ratner. He has helped them launch their careers by giving them advice, guidance, and opportunities. He has also been involved in various charitable causes, such as directing a short film for Amnesty International's "Make Some Noise" campaign in 2007.
Conclusion
Phil Joanou is a filmmaker who has shown versatility and creativity throughout his career. He has directed films in various genres and styles, from documentaries to thrillers, from music videos to feature films. He is best known for his association with U2, whom he met in 1986 and directed their concert film "Rattle and Hum" in 1988. He has also worked with other artists such as Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Bon Jovi, Bob Dylan, and B.B. King. He has won several awards for his work, including a Grammy Award and three MTV Video Music Awards. He has also influenced and mentored other filmmakers such as David Fincher, Michael Bay, Antoine Fuqua, and Brett Ratner.
Phil Joanou is a filmmaker who has left a lasting mark in the world of film and music. He has captured the spirit and essence of U2 and their music, as well as explored themes of faith, death, resurrection, loyalty, betrayal, redemption, fame, creativity, addiction, discipline, self-respect. He has shown that he can tell stories that are entertaining, engaging, inspiring, and meaningful.
