Alexander Payne’s background and work
Alexander Payne is an American screenwriter and filmmaker. He studied Spanish and history at Stanford before getting his MFA at UCLA. Payne's films are known for their distinct perspectives, a welcome contrast from the Hollywood standard. His dark comedies include Citizen Ruth, Sideways, and About Schmidt. In his 30-year career, Payne's films have gotten 19 Oscar nominations. Payne co-wrote "The Descendants" with Nat Faxon and Jim Rash in 2011....