Born and raised in Australia

Immigrated to New Zealand aged 19

Began career as stills photographer and then began making documentary films

Directed a series of seven short dramas for New Zealand TV entitled "Winners and Losers"

Feature directing and producing debut, "Sleeping Dogs"; first film produced in New Zealand in 15 years

His "Smash Palace" was shown at New Directors/New Films Festival at New York's Museum of Modern Art

First non-Australian film as director, "The Bounty" starring Anthony Hopkins and Mel Gibson

American film debut, "Marie: A True Story" starring Sissy Spacek

Enjoyed a critical hit with "No Way Out" starring Kevin Costner; a remake of "The Big Clock" (1946)

Had box-office success with the Tom Cruise vehicle "Cocktail"

Co-produced (with Charles Roven) and directed the comedy "Cadillac Man" featuring Robin Williams and Tim Robbins

Helmed the murky murder mystery "White Sands"

Directed Alec Baldwin and Kim Basinger in an ill-advised and unnecessary remake of "The Getaway"

Returned to form with the sci-fi thriller "Species" starring Natasha Henstridge

Directed the formulaic "Dante's Peak" starring Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton

Reteamed with Kevin Costner on the taut and well-made "Thirteen Days" about the 1961 Cuban missile crisis

Directed Al Pacino and Colin Farrell in the CIA spy thriller "The Recruit"

Directed (also wrote) Anthony Hopkins in "The World's Fastest Indian"

Helmed "The Bank Job" based on a 1971 true life robbery of a bank in Baker Street, London