Eric Roth

Biography

Eric Roth is an acclaimed American screenwriter and producer, widely recognized for his evocative storytelling and compelling character-driven narratives. Born on March 22, 1945, in New York City, Roth grew up in a literary and intellectually vibrant household. His father was a university teacher and film critic, while his mother was a radio writer. These influences fostered Roth's early love for literature, film, and the art of storytelling.

Roth pursued his higher education at UCLA, where he earned a Master of Fine Arts in film. During his time at UCLA, he began crafting the skills that would later define his signature style—an elegant blend of emotional depth, narrative structure, and historical context.

Career

Eric Roth's career spans over four decades and includes some of the most iconic films in modern American cinema. His writing is known for its layered characters, emotional nuance, and the ability to blend fiction with real-world historical events.

Breakthrough and Acclaim

Roth's breakthrough came with the 1994 film "Forrest Gump," a poignant and whimsical epic that traverses several decades of American history through the eyes of a simple yet remarkable man. The screenplay earned him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, launching him into the top tier of Hollywood screenwriters.

Continued Success

Following Forrest Gump, Roth went on to write and co-write a string of critically acclaimed films, including:

"The Insider" (1999) – A gripping drama about corporate whistleblowing in the tobacco industry.

"Ali" (2001) – A biographical account of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

"Munich" (2005) – A suspenseful political thriller co-written with Tony Kushner and directed by Steven Spielberg.

"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (2008) – An emotionally complex tale about a man who ages in reverse, which earned Roth another Academy Award nomination.

He also contributed to "Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close" (2011) and "A Star Is Born" (2018), showcasing his versatility across genres.

Recent Work and Collaborations

Roth collaborated with renowned directors like David Fincher, Michael Mann, Ron Howard, and Steven Spielberg throughout his career. He reunited with Fincher for "Mank" (2020) and later co-wrote "Dune" (2021) with Denis Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts, adapting the dense science fiction classic into a cinematic success.

He also co-wrote the screenplay for "Killers of the Flower Moon" (2023), a historical crime drama directed by Martin Scorsese, which centers around the Osage murders in 1920s Oklahoma—blending his love for history and dramatic storytelling.