Grew up in Reseda, California in the San Fernando Valley

Dropped out of high school

Became a photographer and freelance writer of articles about Hollywood

Edited Cinema magazine

Interviewed various legendary Hollywood figures including John Ford, Vincente Minnelli, Dalton Trumbo, and William Wellman

Befriended by writer-director-actor John Cassavetes, who invited Hanson to his garage to watch him edit his films

As Curtis Lee Hanson, co-scripted first feature (with Henry Rosenbaum and Ronald Silkosky), "The Dunwich Horror", an AIP thriller executive produced by Roger Corman

Directorial debut, "The Arousers/Sweet Kill" (also wrote screenplay), starring Tab Hunter

Made producing debut as associate producer on "The Silent Partner" (also screenwriter)

Helmed "Losin' It", starring Tom Cruise

TV debut as writer-director of "The Children of Times Square", an ABC TV-movie about a teen runaway

Wrote and directed the surprisingly good homage to Hitchcock, "The Bedroom Window"

Directed "Bad Influence", starring Rob Lowe and James Spader

Helmed the surprise hit thriller, "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle"

Stock soared with commercial success of "The River Wild", starring Meryl Streep

Scored major critical success for directing "L.A. Confidential" (also co-produced and co-wrote with Brian Helgeland); received Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director; won award for Best Adapted Screenplay

Helmed the screen adaptation of Michael Chabon's novel "Wonder Boys", starring Michael Douglas

Directed and produced "8 Mile," a film starring rapper Eminem loosely based on the singer's life

Directed the adaptation of Jennifer Weiner's novel "In Her Shoes" starring Cameron Diaz and Toni Collette

Helmed "Lucky You," a drama set in the high-stakes world of professional poker and starring Eric Bana and Drew Barrymore