Sam Peckinpah

Directing · Born February 21, 1925 · Fresno, California, United States

David Samuel "Sam" Peckinpah (February 21, 1925 – December 28, 1984) was an American filmmaker and actor. He was known for his revisionist approach to the Western genre, employing a visually innovative and explicit depiction of action and violence.His 1969 film The Wild Bunch received two Academy Award nominations and was ranked No. 80 on the American Film Institute's Top 100 list. His other notable films included Ride the High Country (1962), Major Dundee (1965), The Ballad of Cable Hogue (1970), Straw Dogs (1971), The Getaway (1972), Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973), Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974), Cross of Iron (1977), and Convoy (1978). Peckinpah was also known for his contributions to the television series The Rifleman (1958–63) and The Westerner (1960). Peckinpah's films deal with the conflict between values and ideals, as well as the corruption and violence in human society. His characters are often loners or losers who desire to be honorable but are forced to compromise in order to survive in a world of nihilism and brutality.He was given the nickname "Bloody Sam" owing to the violence in his films. His combative personality, along with years of alcohol and drug abuse, affected his professional legacy. The production of many of his films included battles with producers and crew members, damaging his reputation and career during his lifetime.