Mike Figgis

Mike Figgis is a Professor of Film at The European Graduate School (EGS), renowned for his experimental and boundary-pushing approach to filmmaking. Born in 1948, he transitioned from music (studying in London and collaborating with Brian Ferry in Roxy Music) to theater and eventually cinema, directing over 20 films that challenge traditional Hollywood norms.

His notable works include Leaving Las Vegas (1995, Academy Award-nominated), Timecode (2000, pioneering digital multi-camera techniques), and Suspension of Disbelief (2012, exploring meta-narrative structures). Figgis critiques mainstream Hollywood for its repetitive narratives, advocating instead for innovative storytelling and digital experimentation.

Research Interests: Digital filmmaking, narrative structure experimentation, multi-perspective storytelling, and the intersection of theater and cinema. His work emphasizes breaking free from conventional cinematic frameworks, using technology to enhance expressive possibilities.

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Picture (Leaving Las Vegas), critical acclaim for pushing technical and narrative boundaries.

Additional Contributions: Lectured on cinematic techniques at EGS, including series like 'Time Code, Narration and the Art of Film' (2008). Family ties to filmmaking include cousins in October Eleven Pictures and sons involved in film editing and producing.