Russell Gewirtz

Biography

Russell Gewirtz: From Law Degrees to Heist Mastermind

Russell Gewirtz is an American screenwriter best known for his critically acclaimed and commercially successful 2006 film, Inside Man, directed by Spike Lee. His journey into screenwriting is unconventional, marked by a background in law and a late entry into Hollywood.

Early Life and Education:

Born in 1967 in Great Neck, New York, Gewirtz pursued a rigorous academic path that seemingly diverged from the film industry. He attended Trinity School in New York City before earning a degree in computer science from Tufts University. Not stopping there, he went on to acquire not one, but two law degrees: a J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in Manhattan, followed by an LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Taxation from NYU School of Law. As he once quipped, "I don't carry a business card. But if I did, it would say Esq., B.A., J.D., LL. M. after my name."

After passing the bar exam, Gewirtz initially worked with his father, managing a small chain of clothing stores. However, a lucrative real estate deal in 1999 allowed him to leave New York and spend several years traveling through France and Brazil. It was during this period of exploration that his creative interests began to solidify.

Career in Screenwriting:

Gewirtz's foray into Hollywood began at the 2001 Cannes Film Festival, where he pitched the idea that would eventually become Inside Man. This initial pitch led him down the path of professional screenwriting.

Filmography:

Inside Man (2006): This tight, intelligent heist thriller, starring Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, and Jodie Foster, marked Gewirtz's breakout success. The film was praised for its clever plot, intricate twists, and smart dialogue, showcasing Gewirtz's ability to craft suspenseful and engaging narratives. It remains his most celebrated work.

Righteous Kill (2008): Following the success of Inside Man, Gewirtz penned Righteous Kill, a crime thriller that brought together cinematic legends Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. While the film garnered mixed to negative reviews, it demonstrated Gewirtz's continued interest in the crime genre and complex character dynamics.

Beyond these two prominent film credits, Gewirtz also contributed as a writer to two episodes of the television series Blind Justice in 2005. He has also been linked to other projects, including a sequel to Inside Man and a rewrite for the FBI drama Black Mass.

Screenwriting Style:

Gewirtz's writing style is characterized by his penchant for intricate plotting, sharp dialogue, and a focus on suspense. He often crafts narratives that keep audiences guessing, relying on twists and turns to maintain engagement. While he may not have followed a traditional screenwriting education, his ability to construct compelling stories has earned him a place in contemporary Hollywood. He has mentioned being motivated by both excellent films (like Seven and The Usual Suspects) and those he felt he could improve upon, indicating a keen eye for storytelling mechanics.

Russell Gewirtz's career serves as an interesting example of how talent and a compelling idea can open doors in Hollywood, even without a conventional background in the film industry.