Tom DiCillo

Directing

Tom DiCillo

Born August 14, 1953 · Lejeune Base Camp, North Carolina, USA (age 73)

Tom DiCillo is an American director, cinematographer, writer and actor born in Camp Le Jeune, North Carolina, and who studied film at New York University. During his early career he began working with director Jim Jarmusch as a cinematographer on films that include Permanent Vacation and Stranger Than Paradise. His experience as cinematographer proved invaluable and he was soon writing and directi…

Known For

Coffee and CigarettesCoffee and Cigarettes · 2004
Coffee and Cigarettes
6.92004
MovieComedyDrama
An anthology of eleven vignettes featuring star-studded casts of extremely unique individuals who all share the common activities of conversing while drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes.
DeliriousDelirious · 2007
Delirious
6.42007
MovieComedyDrama
Les, a small-time celebrity photographer desperate to make it big, befriends Toby, a homeless young man with no direction except a vague desire to become an actor. When by chance, Toby becomes romantically involved with K'Harma Leeds, the hottest pop star of the moment, Les grows jealous and plots revenge.
When You're StrangeWhen You're Strange · 2010
When You're Strange
7.32010
MovieDocumentaryMusic
The creative chemistry of four brilliant artists —drummer John Densmore, guitarist Robby Kreiger, keyboardist Ray Manzarek and singer Jim Morrison— made The Doors one of America's most iconic and influential rock bands. Using footage shot between their formation in 1965 and Morrison's death in 1971, it follows the band from the corridors of UCLA's film school, where Manzarek and Morrison met, to the stages of sold-out arenas.
Double WhammyDouble Whammy · 2001
Double Whammy
5.52001
MovieComedyCrime
Ray Pluto has many problems. He is satirized in the tabloids as the "loser cop." His partner is starting to seem suspiciously attracted to him. A pair of screenwriters across the hall keep bugging him for help. The superintendent of his building is stabbed by hoodlums hired by his own rebellious daughter. To top it off, a sexually aggressive chiropractor may just be Ray's undoing.
Stranger Than ParadiseStranger Than Paradise · 1984
Stranger Than Paradise
7.21984
MovieComedyDrama
New York layabout Willie forms an unexpected bond with his young Hungarian cousin Eva when she pays him a surprise visit. Later, Eva moves in with their aunt in Cleveland, and Willie takes his best friend Eddie to see her—a visit that culminates in a strange, eventful trip to Florida.
Living in OblivionLiving in Oblivion · 1995
Living in Oblivion
7.21995
MovieComedy
Low-budget independent filmmaker Nick Reve tries to keep everything together as his production is plagued with an insecure actress, a megalomaniac star, a pretentious beret-wearing director of photography, and lousy catering.
Nova '78Nova '78 · 2026
Nova '78
2026
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Resurrected through UK-led archival restoration NOVA 78' shows never-before-seen footage of the legendary Nova Convention where William Burroughs, Patti Smith, Zappa, Ginsberg and more collided in an explosion of ideas, art and rebellion.
The Real BlondeThe Real Blonde · 1998
The Real Blonde
5.31998
MovieComedyDrama
An aspiring actor and his girlfriend handle life's frustrations, while his friend seeks fulfillment with a blonde.

Filmography

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Robert Wilson and the Civil WarsRobert Wilson and the Civil Wars · 1987
Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars
9.01987
MovieDocumentary
Robert Wilson and the Civil Wars is an in-depth documentation of Robert Wilson’s ambitious attempt to stage an epic, twelve-hour, multinational opera for the 1984 Summer Olympics. Filmmaker Howard Brookner follows the avant-garde theatre director as he confronts a hectic work schedule, funding difficulties and relentless international travel in attempt to complete his preparations. The film examines Wilson’s unique theatrical style during The Civil Wars: A Tree Is Best Measured When It Is Down, which involves the continual creation of evocative stage sets, owing to a unique juxtaposition of movement, sound, text and image. Known for his precise, painterly images Wilson’s work derives more from visual art than the orthodox literary traditions of theatre. As a result, Wilson often challenges actors to perform in a boldly minimalist style, as well as collaborating with non-actors, such as young autistic poet Christopher Knowles in Einstein on the Beach.

Cinematography