Danny Boyle: Interviews

Chronology

xxvii Chronology 1956 Born on October 20 near Manchester in Radcliffe, England. His father, Frank Boyle, was a laborer born in England to an Irish family and his mother was from Ballinasloe, Ireland. 1968 Attends Thornleigh Salesian College in nearby Bolton. 1970 At fourteen, Danny decides to apply at a seminary near Wigan in order to follow his mother’s wishes for him to become a Catholic priest. Before his decision was final, Father Conway, a priest, convinces him that he was not meant for priesthood. Soon after, Danny becomes interested in theatre. 1975 Finishes his schooling at Thornleigh. 1978 Graduates from the University of Bangor in Wales. Soon, he begins working with the Joint Stock Theatre Company. 1982 Becomes artistic director for the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs. 1983 Begins dating casting director, Gail Stevens. 1985 Becomes deputy director of the Royal Court Theatre. His first daughter, Grace, is born. 1987 Begins his career in television as a producer on The Rockingham Shoot and gets his first chance as a director with Scout and The Venus de Milo Instead. 1989 Continues his work for the BBC as producer on Alan Clarke’s Elephant and director on Monkeys and The Hen House. He is also both producer and director on The Nightwatch. 1990 Directs his first episode of Inspector Morse (“Masonic Mysteries ”). His son, Gabriel, is born. 1991 Directs his last TV movie until 2001 entitled For the Greater Good. 1992 Directs his second episode of Inspector Morse (“Cherubim and Seraphim”). His daughter, Caitlin, is born. 1993 Directs three episodes of Mr. Wroe’s Virgins (“Leah’s Story,” xxviii chronology “Joanna’s Story,” and “Hannah’s Story”) and one episode of Screenplay (“Not Even God Is Wise Enough”). 1994 Releases Shallow Grave, his feature film directorial debut. 1996 Releases Trainspotting, a smash hit in the U.K. and abroad. The film successfully brings rejuvenation and attention to Britain’s film industry. 1997 Along with Andrew Macdonald, Boyle is executive producer on Twin Town, a Welsh film by Kevin Allen. Releases A Life Less Ordinary, his first “Hollywood film” that is seen by many as a failure. 2000 Releases The Beach, his second Hollywood production made with the largest budget he has worked with. Despite Leonardo DiCaprio’s star power, the film is considered a flop. 2001 Directs two films for BBC television, Strumpet and Vacuuming Completely Nude in Paradise. 2002 Directs a short film entitled Alien Love Triangle that was never released. Directs 28 Days Later . . . , a sleeper hit whose success helps revive the “zombie film.” Boyle separates from his partner of twenty years, Gail Stevens. They live very close so their three children can easily go back and forth, and Stevens has continued to work as casting director for his movies. 2005 Directs Millions, a family-friendly film dedicated to his parents . 2007 Directs Sunshine, a sci-fi epic with an international cast. The sequel to 28 Days Later . . . is released (28 Weeks Later). Boyle is executive producer as well as an uncredited second unit director . 2008 Releases Slumdog Millionaire which was dropped by its distributor , Warner Independent, before Fox Searchlight assumed distribution . The film goes on to be nominated for four Golden Globes, eleven BAFTAs, and ten Academy Awards. 2009 On February 22, Slumdog Millionaire wins big at the Oscars, taking home prizes including Best Screenplay, Best Picture, and Best Director for Danny. Announces his next project entitled 127 Hours, a true story about hiker Aron Ralston who spent five days pinned under a rock until he amputated his own arm and survived. 2010 Announces that he will return to working in theatre with a production of Frankenstein for the U.K. National Theatre. ...