Biography for
Abel Ferrara More at IMDbPro »

Date of Birth

Mini Biography

Born in the Bronx, Ferrara started making amateur films on Super 8 in his teens before making his debut with violent exploitation films such as 'Driller Killer' and 'Ms.45'. Good reviews for the latter helped create his cult reputation, leading to larger budgets, studio funding and 'name' actors (Christopher Walken, Harvey Keitel), but he still likes taking his camera out onto the meanest streets of New York, as the ultra-cheap, highly controversial 'Bad Lieutenant' demonstrates.

Trade Mark

Frequently casts Matthew Modine, Christopher Walken, Forest Whitaker, Dennis Hopper, Willem Dafoe, Harvey Keitel, David Caruso, Annabella Sciorra, Victor Argo, Paul Calderon, Asia Argento, Gretchen Mol, Giancarlo Esposito, Zoë Lund and Paul Hipp.

Often features Characters caught in Self-destructive patterns (King Of New York,Bad Lieutenant)

Frequent use of Religious Imagery

His Characters are often Deeply-Flawed Individuals trying to survive in a Bleak World

Frequently sets His Films in New York City

Frequent references to philosophical and religious concepts

Uses very little, if any, music in his films

Often collaborates with screenwriter Nicholas St.John

Long running camera shots

Many of his protagonists are portrayed as inherently decent men who have been caught up in violence.

His films often end with the death of the main character.

Recurring theme of faith and redemption

Trivia

Grew up in Peekskill, New York.

Has two adopted daughters.

Went to high school with Nicholas St. John, who has written many of his films.

Visited Sarajevo Film Festival (Bosnia, 8/2006)

Is a close friend of fellow director Michael Mann. Ferrara directed episodes for Mann's TV shows "Miami Vice" (1984) and "Crime Story" (1986). Ferrara also makes private screenings of his films to Mann who, in exchange, gives him tips and advices on editing.

Is of Irish and Italian descent.