Brian De Palma is an American film director and screenwriter, born on September 11, 1940, in Newark, New Jersey. He is best known for his work in the suspense and crime thriller genres, with films like "Carrie" (1976), "Scarface" (1983), and "The Untouchables" (1987) among his most iconic. De Palma's style is often characterized by intricate, carefully choreographed set pieces, split-screen imagery, and a focus on visual storytelling. He is considered a part of the "New Hollywood" wave of filmmakers, alongside contemporaries like Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg.

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Over the course of his career, De Palma has received both critical acclaim and controversy. While some of his films have been commercial successes and received nominations for awards, others have been criticized for their violence and sexual content. Nonetheless, his influence on the thriller genre is undeniable, and he has garnered a cult following that appreciates his unique approach to storytelling and his ability to create intense, suspenseful atmospheres.