'LA Confidential' director Curtis Hanson found dead at California home

[LOS ANGELES] Movie director Curtis Hanson, who won an Oscar for LA Confidential, was found dead in his California home on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Police Department said. He was 71.

Paramedics found Mr Hanson at his Hollywood Hills home at about 5pm local time (0000 GMT). Mr Hanson, who was pronounced dead at the scene, died of natural causes, a police spokeswoman said.

He had retired in recent years due to Alzheimer's, according to Variety.com.

Mr Hanson, along with Brian Helgeland, won an Oscar in 1997 for best writing for their adapted screenplay of the novel of the same name by James Ellroy.

As a producer of the stylish 1997 period film, Mr Hanson also shared the nomination for best picture and was nominated for best director. LA Confidential won an Oscar for actress Kim Basinger, and was nominated for its cinematography, art direction, sound, editing and score.

The film reproduced '50s Los Angeles, from the streets to the costumes, and Mr Hanson used an ensemble cast that also included Kevin Spacey, Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, James Cromwell, Danny DeVito and David Strathairn.

"Curtis Hanson's resplendently wicked 'LA Confidential' is a tough, gorgeous, vastly entertaining throwback to the Hollywood that did things right," The New York Times said.

The film was a popular success, grossing US$126 million worldwide, according to Variety.

Mr Hanson's other films included The River Wild, Wonder Boys, 8 Mile and In Her Shoes.

REUTERS