The Life and Career of Patty Jenkins

Patty Jenkins is a famous filmmaker and the director of Wonder Woman. Her work on Wonder Woman was a huge hit, making over $800 million worldwide¹. She has broken barriers for female directors in Hollywood, changing the game of big-budget movies. Her success with Wonder Woman made her a well-known name, thanks to her mother who raised her and her sisters alone after her father passed away¹.

Patty Jenkins has directed many projects, including “Monster,” which won Charlize Theron an Oscar¹. Her film Wonder Woman was loved by critics and fans alike. She was one of the few female camera operators for nearly a decade¹. Her experience in commercial and music-video shoots has taught her the value of teamwork and hard work, helping her succeed in filmmaking¹.

Key Takeaways

• Patty Jenkins is a renowned filmmaker and Wonder Woman director who has made a significant impact on the film industry.
• Her work on Wonder Woman exceeded box-office expectations, earning over $800 million worldwide¹.
• Patty Jenkins has become a trailblazer for female directors in Hollywood, shattering glass ceilings and redefining the landscape of blockbuster filmmaking.
• She has worked on various projects, including “Monster,” which earned Charlize Theron an Oscar for her acting performance¹.
• Patty Jenkins’ film Wonder Woman was admired by critics and adored by audiences, and she was one of the only female camera operators in shoots for nearly a decade¹.
• Patty Jenkins directed the film “Wonder Woman 1984” in 2020².

Early Life and Background

Patty Jenkins started her journey to fame as a female director in Hollywood with a childhood full of moves and tough times.

Childhood Influences

Patty Jenkins was born on July 24, 1971, at an Air Force base in Victorville, California. Her dad, William T. Jenkins, was a brave Air Force captain and fighter pilot³. The family moved a lot, living in Thailand and Germany before settling in Lawrence, Kansas⁴.

At just seven, Jenkins lost her father in a NATO mock dogfight. This loss deeply affected her. It made her strong and changed her view of life⁴. Watching the original “Superman” film sparked her love for storytelling and the arts⁴.

Education and Training

Jenkins was passionate about the arts, studying music and photography in high school⁴. She then got a degree in Painting from The Cooper Union⁴. Her love for filmmaking led her to the American Film Institute’s AFI Conservatory, where she earned a master’s in directing⁴.

Before becoming a director, Jenkins worked on commercials as a cameraperson. This experience helped her build a strong foundation in the film industry⁴.

Breakthrough with Monster

Patty Jenkins made a big splash in the film world with “Monster.” This movie showed off her talent and vision. She was drawn to the story of Aileen Wuornos, a serial killer. By directing and writing the film herself, she made sure it was true and gripping⁵.

The Story Behind Monster

“Monster” (2003) was made on a small budget of $1.5 million⁵. Jenkins made sure Charlize Theron gained 30 pounds to really get into character⁵. This effort made the movie feel real and heartfelt.

Critical Reception

The film got lots of praise, with an 82% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a Metacritic score of 74⁵. Roger Ebert even called it the third-best film of the decade⁶.

Awards and Recognition

“Monster” helped make Patty Jenkins famous, winning Charlize Theron an Academy Award in 2004⁵⁶. Jenkins herself won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature and the Franklin J. Schaffner Award from the American Film Institute⁵. These wins proved she was a top-notch director.

Directing Wonder Woman

Patty Jenkins became the Wonder Woman director. She brought a fresh, empowering vision to DC Films. Her work changed how female superheroes are seen in movies.

The Vision for Wonder Woman

Jenkins wanted to show Diana Prince as more than a warrior. She aimed to make her a symbol of hope and strength. Her story focused on resilience and compassion, setting a new standard for female superheroes⁷.

Challenges Faced During Production

Directing a major superhero film was tough. Jenkins was the first female director of an American superhero movie. She faced high expectations and the need to succeed both critically and commercially. She also had to convince DC Films to support her unique vision⁷.

Box Office Success

The film was a huge success, earning over $800 million worldwide. This achievement made Jenkins a key Wonder Woman director. It also showed that female-led superhero movies can be successful in DC Films⁷.

The Impact of Wonder Woman

“Wonder Woman” is a big win for DC Films. It became the highest-grossing film by a woman director, beating “Mamma Mia!” by Phyllida Lloyd⁸. It showed that female-led movies can do well, opening up more roles for women in front of and behind the camera.

Cultural Significance

The film touched hearts all over the world, showing the power of women. It showed Diana Prince as a hero of love and beauty, winning fans from all walks of life⁹. It showed how important it is to include everyone, making sure everyone feels seen and heard.

Influence on the Superhero Genre

Patty Jenkins’ work on “Wonder Woman 1984” changed the game for comic book movies⁸. It proved that women can lead big superhero films¹⁰. This has made other filmmakers think about telling stories with more variety and inclusivity.

Continuing Her Career

Patty Jenkins is a versatile filmmaker, working in many genres and formats. She’s not just about big movies. She shows her talent in different ways, making her a standout in the industry.

Other Notable Projects

Jenkins has also directed TV episodes that have won praise. She worked on Arrested Development and Entourage. Her work on The Killing even got her an Emmy nomination¹¹.

She also made an anthology film called Five. This shows her skill in various genres and formats. Her work has made her a respected name in the industry¹¹.

Collaborations with Major Studios

Patty Jenkins has worked with big studios for years. She directed Wonder Woman 1984, which was a huge hit in 2020¹². She’s also the first woman to direct a Star Wars film, Rogue Squadron¹².

She’s in talks for a big contract with Warner Brothers. This shows her big impact in movies¹¹. She decided to focus on Wonder Woman 3 and the Star Wars film instead of Cleopatra¹¹¹².

Patty Jenkins’ Directorial Style

Patty Jenkins stands out in filmmaking with her unique style. She studied painting at The Cooper Union in New York City. This background gives her a keen eye for visuals, making her scenes stand out.

Her experience as a camera operator adds to her attention to detail. Every shot is carefully crafted, showing her dedication to her craft.

Unique Storytelling Techniques

Jenkins is a master at creating complex characters. She balances personal stories with big action scenes, making her films engaging. For example, in “Wonder Woman 1984,” she digs deep into her characters’ depths, adding realism¹³.

Visual Aesthetic

Jenkins’ films are known for their stunning visuals and cinematography. She uses colors and lighting to set the mood of each scene. This approach makes every moment visually stunning¹⁴.

Advocacy for Women in Film

Patty Jenkins is a key figure in fighting for women in film. She works hard to empower female directors, changing Hollywood’s view.

Championing Female Directors

Jenkins helps new female directors by giving them advice and support. Her success shows that women can lead big film projects to great success¹⁵.

Initiatives and Organizations Supported

She works with groups to help more women in film. Some of these include:

• Women in Film – Fighting for equal chances in filmmaking for all.
• Through Her Lens – Helps new female filmmakers with tools and connections¹⁵.
• Time’s Up – Fights against harassment and makes work places safe for women in Hollywood.

By backing these groups, Jenkins makes the film industry more open and diverse. She helps ensure future female directors have what they need to thrive.

Patty Jenkins in Television

Patty Jenkins has made a big splash in TV, just like she did in movies. She showed she’s great at telling stories on the small screen too. Her work proves she’s really good at making stories come alive.

The Killing and Beyond

Jenkins directed the first episode of The Killing. It set the tone for the whole series. Her work got her a Primetime Emmy Award nomination and a Directors Guild of America award¹⁶.

This shows she’s great at making stories that touch your heart. She knows how to keep viewers hooked episode after episode.

Contributions to Streaming Platforms

Jenkins also worked on I Am the Night for TNT. It mixed true crime with drama¹⁷. Her work on streaming shows shows she can make content that looks great and feels real.

This has made her even more known as a top filmmaker.

Future Projects and Endeavors

Patty Jenkins is working on many exciting projects. She’s all about telling new stories for the big screen. Her hard work promises to bring us fresh tales.

Upcoming Films

• Star Wars: Rogue Squadron: This film was set to start in 2022 and hit theaters in December 2023. But, it’s been delayed. This shows how tough it can be to work on big franchises¹⁸.
• Wonder Woman 3: Jenkins is making the third Wonder Woman movie. She wants to dive deeper into the superhero’s story.
• Cleopatra Biopic: With Gal Gadot starring, this film shows Jenkins’ love for strong female characters and historical stories.

Potential Collaborations

Jenkins is close with DC Films. This could lead to more work together in the DC universe. Her work with Gal Gadot in Wonder Woman shows they make great teams. This could lead to more projects together.

Legacy and Influence

Patty Jenkins has made a big impact on modern cinema. Her work as a Hollywood director has raised the bar for storytelling in films.

Lasting Impact on Filmmaking

Jenkins’ films like “Monster” and “Wonder Woman” have earned her praise and awards¹⁹²⁰. She was the first woman to direct a major superhero movie, a big achievement¹⁹. Her movies, like “Wonder Woman,” have made over $800 million worldwide¹⁹.

They show that women can lead big projects in Hollywood.

Inspiration for Future Generations

Patty Jenkins’ success inspires many, including women and underrepresented groups in Hollywood. Her journey has opened doors for more diverse voices in movies. Time named her a runner-up for Person of the Year in 2017¹⁹.

She’s also on Empire’s list of most influential filmmakers²⁰. Jenkins shows that hard work and passion can change the industry.

Source Links

1. TIME Person of the Year Runner Up: Patty Jenkins – https://time.com/time-person-of-the-year-2017-patty-jenkins-runner-up/
2. Patty Jenkins – https://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/person/1064985|194071/Patty-Jenkins
3. Patty Jenkins – https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patty_Jenkins
4. Natural-Born Director – Patty Jenkins – https://www.dga.org/Craft/DGAQ/All-Articles/1301-Winter-2013/Director-Patty-Jenkins
5. Monster (2003 film) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monster_(2003_film)
6. Things I’ve Learned as a Moviemaker: Patty Jenkins – MovieMaker Magazine – https://www.moviemaker.com/things-ive-learned-patty-jenkins/
7. Wonder Woman 1984 Director Patty Jenkins on Knowing When to Fight – https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/03/wonder-woman-1984-director-patty-jenkins-on-knowing-when-to-fight?srsltid=AfmBOopsTdItz3p0BF32YzdlZ0o8aIUMK95tSkrM5rEPhs2ugKXrM6BP
8. ‘Wonder Woman’ Director Patty Jenkins on Equal Pay, Hollywood Sexism and James Cameron’s Nasty Words – https://variety.com/2017/film/features/patty-jenkins-wonder-woman-hollywood-sexism-equal-pay-james-cameron-1202583237/
9. Patty Jenkins’ Vision of Wonder Woman Diverged From Studio – https://www.themarysue.com/patty-jenkins-vision-of-wonder-woman/
10. Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins: ‘People really thought that only men loved action movies’ – https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/may/26/wonder-woman-director-patty-jenkins-people-really-thought-that-only-men-loved-action-movies
11. Patty Jenkins – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patty_Jenkins
12. Patty Jenkins – Sundance Collab – https://collab.sundance.org/people/Patty-Jenkins-1675793989
13. Patty Jenkins: The Military B.R.A.T. Director of Wonder Woman – cultursmag – https://www.cultursmag.com/patty-jenkins-wonder-womans-military-b-r-a-t-uses-her-tck-to-create-worlds-of-wonder/
14. Patty Jenkins: A Different Filmmaker – Golden Globes – https://goldenglobes.com/articles/patty-jenkins-different-filmmaker-articles-patty-jenkins-different-filmmaker/
15. Kerry Washington, Patty Jenkins, and Laura Karpman Talk Taking Risks and Supporting Women in Film – https://www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a61041685/kerry-washington-patty-jenkins-chanel-tribeca-through-her-lens/
16. Patty Jenkins – TV Tropes – https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Creator/PattyJenkins
17. Listen: Patty Jenkins on Why 1984 Was the Perfect Year – https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/patty-jenkins-wonder-woman-1984-the-young-ones-i-am-the-night-1203253168/
18. Star Wars: New Report Claims Patty Jenkins’ Rogue Squadron Still Moving Forward – https://comicbook.com/starwars/news/star-wars-rogue-squadron-future-patty-jenkins-update-future-plans/
19. Patty Jenkins – The Trailblazing Director Who Redefined Superhero Cinema and Hollywood in the 21st Century – https://protectnfm.com/people/patty-jenkins/
20. Wonder Woman 1984: Patty Jenkins On The Power Of Superheroes – https://www.empireonline.com/movies/features/empire-30-patty-jenkins-interview/