Helmed the student films; "Suicide," "Letter From a Friend," "Sex Shop" and "Assassins: A Film Concerning Rimbaud"

Won underground cult-figure status with his 43 minute film, "Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story"

Formed Apparatus Productions, a non-profit film cooperative that provided resources and money for emerging filmmakers

Served "cease and desist" court order to stop showing "Superstar" by Carpenter estate and A&M Records

Produced short film "He Was Once," directed by Mary Hestand

Wrote and directed first feature, the three-part "Poison," inspired by the works of Jean Genet (made for approximately $200,000)

Appeared as a phrenology head in Tom Kalin's "Swoon"

Returned to the short form for "Dottie Gets Spanked" (aired on NYC's Channel 13 in 1994 and on PBS in 1995)

Earned critical praise for "Safe," his first feature shot in 35mm; first collaboration with actress Julianne Moore

Contributed additional dialogue to Cindy Sherman's "Office Killer"

Directed "Velvet Goldmine," about 1970s glam-rock; also scripted

Directed Julianne Moore in the award-winning, "Far From Heaven"; received Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for Best Screenplay

Helmed the Bob Dylan biopic "I'm Not There," with the singer-songwriter being portrayed by six actors; earned an Independent Spirit Award Nomination for Best Director