Age: 63
male
Mark Anthony "Baz" Luhrmann (born 17 September 1962) is an Australian filmmaker and actor with projects spanning film, television, opera, theatre, music and recording industries. He is regarded by some as a contemporary example of an auteur for his style and deep involvement in the writing, directing, design, and musical components of all his work. He is the most commercially successful Australian director, with four of his films in the top ten highest worldwide grossing Australian films of all time. On the screen he is best known for his "Red Curtain Trilogy", consisting of his romantic comedy film Strictly Ballroom (1992), and the romantic tragedies William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet (1996) and Moulin Rouge! (2001). Following the trilogy, projects included Australia (2008), The Great Gatsby (2013), Elvis (2022), and his television period drama The Get Down (2016) for Netflix. Additional projects include stage productions of Giacomo Puccini's La bohème for both the Australian Opera and Broadway and Strictly Ballroom the Musical (2014). Luhrmann is equally known for his Grammy-nominated soundtracks for Moulin Rouge! and The Great Gatsby, as well as his record label House of Iona, a co-venture with RCA Records. Serving as producer on all of his musical soundtracks, he also holds writing credits on many of the individual tracks. His album Something for Everybody features music from many of his films and also includes his hit "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)".
Baz Luhrmann
Director
for Director in Behind the Bass: The Gary Thain Story
Suggested by kamsismith
In the vibrant but modest music scene of Christchurch, New Zealand, a young Gary Thain discovers his deep connection to the bass guitar. Fueled by raw talent and a restless ambition, Gary's journey takes him halfway across the world to England, where he becomes the heartbeat of Uriah Heep, one of the most iconic rock bands of the 1970s. The film explores Gary's creative genius, from crafting unforgettable basslines on legendary tracks like Stealin’ and Easy Livin’ to the electric energy he brought to every performance. At the same time, it delves into his struggles with the grueling demands of life on the road, personal insecurities, and the era's pervasive drug culture. Through a mix of euphoric highs—like headlining massive venues and earning the adoration of fans worldwide—and harrowing lows, including a near-fatal onstage electrocution and worsening health, Gary’s story is both a celebration of a musical prodigy and a poignant reminder of the human cost of rock stardom.
