Robert Benton, the Oscar-winning filmmaker renowned for reshaping Hollywood with his co-creation of “Bonnie and Clyde,” passed away at age 92 from natural causes at his Manhattan home, as confirmed by his son, John Benton. Over his 40-year career, Benton garnered six Oscar nominations, winning three for “Kramer vs. Kramer” and “Places in the Heart.” Despite a childhood struggle with severe dyslexia, he adapted works from acclaimed authors such as Philip Roth and E.L. Doctorow.
Benton initially worked as an art director at Esquire magazine, where his love for French New Wave cinema inspired the iconic 1967 film “Bonnie and Clyde,” directed by Arthur Penn and produced by Warren Beatty. The film, which faced early criticism for its violence, became a hallmark of 1960s cinema and marked a turning point for creative storytelling in Hollywood.
Following “Bonnie and Clyde,” Benton enjoyed critical acclaim with “Kramer vs. Kramer” in 1979, a poignant exploration of familial roles that earned five Academy Awards. It revitalized Dustin Hoffman’s passion for acting. Benton later directed “Places in the Heart,” drawing upon personal experiences to portray a mother’s struggle in 1930s Texas.
Benton’s journey began in Waxahachie, Texas, fostered by early family outings to the movies. After serving in the U.S. Army and studying at the University of Texas and Columbia University, he remained influential in Hollywood, despite experiencing periods without major hits. His later works included “Nobody’s Fool,” which earned him another Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Throughout his career, he valued the film community as a family, expressing a longing for connection and belonging.
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