Joel Schumacher

**Joel T. Schumacher** (/ˈʃuːmɑːkər/; August 29, 1939 – June 22, 2020) was an American film director, producer and screenwriter. In his youth, he used LSD and methamphetamine and started drinking alcohol by age nine. His professional journey began with fashion designing, He first entered filmmaking as a production and costume designer before gaining writing credits on _Car Wash, Sparkle,_ and _The Wiz_. His early theatrical releases, such as _The Incredible Shrinking Woman_ and _D.C. Cab_, didn't get much attention, but prominence came with the direction of _St. Elmo's Fire_, _The Lost Boys_, and _The Client_. Later, Schumacher replaced Tim Burton as the director of the Batman franchise and oversaw _Batman Forever_ and _Batman & Robin_. Following a career decline after _Batman & Robin_, Schumacher directed smaller-budgeted films, including _Tigerland_ and _Phone Booth_. He also directed _The Phantom of the Opera_. His final directorial work was for two episodes of _House of Cards_.