Oliver Hirschbiegel (born 29 December 1957) is a German
film director. His works include
Das Experiment and the
Oscar nominated
Der Untergang.
Career
A
Waldorf graduate, Hirschbiegel studied painting and graphic arts, later film, at the
Hamburg University of Fine Arts. In 1986, he directed his first film, the made-for-TV movie
Das Go! Projekt, the script for which he had written himself. He became a successful TV director, directing numerous episodes of the
Tatort and
Kommissar Rex series. His first theatrical release was the well-received
Das Experiment, followed by
Mein letzter Film, which also met with critical approval.
In 2004, he attracted world-wide attention with the movie
Der Untergang (released in English-speaking countries as
Downfall), produced by
Bernd Eichinger. It recounts
Adolf Hitler's last days, and sparked an extensive debate in Germany over the portrayal of Nazi leaders. The film was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and a nomination for the
Academy Award for the best foreign film. One scene from the film has become the basis for a widespread
viral video phenomenon.
He directed his first Hollywood feature
The Invasion, which was partly re-shot by Australian director
James McTeigue, as of the request of the studio.
Awards
Filmography
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