James Foley, ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ Director, Dies at 71

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As a cinephile reflecting on the loss of one of Hollywood’s finest, I find myself compelled to share the news of James Foley’s passing. Known for his exceptional work in directing the 1992 black comedy drama “Glengarry Glen Ross” and several episodes of the Netflix phenomenon “House of Cards,” Foley has left an indelible mark on the cinematic world.

Sadly, I’ve learned that he succumbed to brain cancer earlier this week at the age of 71, as confirmed by his representatives to The Hollywood Reporter. Throughout his illustrious career, Foley directed two sequels of “Fifty Shades of Grey,” namely “Fifty Shades Darker” (2017) and “Fifty Shades Freed” (2018). His collaborations with luminaries such as Sean Penn, Halle Berry, Madonna, and Al Pacino are testament to his ability to bring out the best in noir-esque storytelling.

His legacy will live on, not just in the films he directed but also in the hearts of those who had the privilege of watching them. Farewell, James Foley. Your artistry will be sorely missed.

Originally hailing from New York, Foley first stepped into directing with the release of the romantic drama “Reckless” in 1984. This film features Daryl Hannah (known for her roles in “Kill Bill: Vol. 2” and “Wall Street”) and Aidan Quinn (“Legends of the Hall” and “Practical Magic”). The story revolves around an outcast teenager and football player, Johnny Rourke (Aidan Quinn), who becomes smitten with popular cheerleader Tracey Prescott (Daryl Hannah). Two years later in 1986, Foley directed the American neo-noir crime drama “At Close Range”, headlined by Sean Penn and Christopher Walken. Notable supporting actors included Mary Stuart Masterson, Crispin Glover, Tracey Walter, Christopher Penn (Sean Penn’s brother), Eileen Ryan, among others.

The movie featured Madonna’s hit song “Live to Tell,” with Madonna being married to Sean Penn during its production. It is said that James Foley served as Penn’s best man at their wedding. While it’s unclear if this was the beginning of Foley’s professional association with Madonna, he did go on to direct several of her music videos, including “Live to Tell,” “Papa Don’t Preach,” and “True Blue.” He also helmed her film Who’s That Girl. In 1990, Foley wrote and directed the adaptation of Jim Thompson’s novel “After Dark, My Sweet.

James Foley Succeeded in Making a “Seemless Transition” Through Genres

Foley is best known for his work on the 1992 film “Glengarry Glen Ross,” a movie adaptation of David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play from the 80s. This film offers a gripping portrayal of four struggling real estate salesmen over two days, as they fight to save their jobs when they learn only the top two performers will remain. The cast includes Al Pacino, who received an Oscar nomination and won a Golden Globe, along with Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, Ed Harris, and Alan Arkin. After directing 12 episodes of “House of Cards,” Foley also took on two sequels in the “Fifty Shades” franchise. Other notable works by Foley include “Twin Peaks,” “The Chamber,” “Fear,” “The Corruptor,” “Confidence,” and “Perfect Stranger.

Some directors excel in specific film genres, but gain widespread acclaim and express their creativity most effectively in those areas. For instance, James Foley, who has a fondness for neo-noir films, has worked seamlessly across various movie and TV show genres. So, how does he manage such versatility? In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2017, the director explained that he simply follows his instincts. “I’ve always chosen to work on what I was interested in at the time, and I made a conscious effort to consider genre… So I just go where my curiosity leads me, for better or worse, sometimes leading me astray.

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2025-05-09 14:29