Neal Jimenez | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1960-05-22)May 22, 1960 Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Died | December 11, 2022(2022-12-11) (aged 62) |
| Alma mater | University of California, Los Angeles |
| Occupation(s) | Screenwriter, film director |
| Years active | 1986–1995 |
| Notable work | River's Edge |
Neal Jimenez (May 22, 1960 – December 11, 2022) was an American screenwriter and film director, best known for the 1986 filmRiver's Edge. He was a member of the dramatic jury at theSundance Film Festival in 1994. He wonIndependent Spirit Awards forBest First Feature and Best Screenplay forThe Waterdance.[1]
Jimenez was born inSacramento, California.[2][3] He initially enrolled atSanta Clara University, studying English, but transferred to theUCLA School of Theater, Film and Television,[2] where he wrote the script forRiver's Edge.[4]
In 1984, while a film student, he went hiking with some friends and slipped on a rock, falling twenty feet into a shallow pool below. He was initiallyparalyzed from the neck down but subsequent surgeries restored movement to his upper body, making himparaplegic.[2] The filmThe Waterdance, which he wrote and co-directed, was partly based on his experience in rehabilitation.[5][6] It starsEric Stoltz as a successful young writer who must deal with his new life confined to a wheelchair.[4] It won Best First Feature and Best Screenplay at the 1993Independent Spirit Awards.[7][8]
Jimenez wrote a number of films in the 1980s and 1990s, most notablyRiver's Edge, starringCrispin Glover,Keanu Reeves, andDennis Hopper, as well asFor the Boys, starringBette Midler. He also worked as ascript doctor on films such asOutbreak.[2][7]
Jimenez died of heart failure inArroyo Grande, California, on December 11, 2022, at the age of 62.[2]
| Year | Title | Writer | Producer | Director |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | River's Edge | Yes | No | No |
| Where the River Runs Black | Yes | No | No | |
| 1991 | The Dark Wind | Yes | No | No |
| For the Boys | Yes | No | No | |
| 1992 | The Waterdance | Yes | No | Yes |
| 1994 | Sleep with Me | Yes | No | No |
| 1995 | Hideaway | Yes | No | No |
| 1998 | They Come at Night | No | executive | No |
Uncredited revisions
Unmade projects
Special thanks
Other credits
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Nightwatch | Additional Crew |
