**Schlesinger, John** (London, 1926 – Palm Springs, 2003) was an influential British director, known for his acute sensibility in portraying complex characters and for his often realistic and introspective approach.

He gained fame in the 1960s with films like *Billy Liar* (1963) and *Darling* (1965), which explored evolving British society. His most celebrated masterpiece is *Midnight Cowboy* (1969), winner of three Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, a raw and poignant portrayal of two outcasts in New York.

His subsequent career included diverse works such as the relational drama *Sunday Bloody Sunday* (1971), the thriller *Marathon Man* (1976), and the spy drama *The Falcon and the Snowman* (1985). Schlesinger's style is characterized by its focus on human psychology, the exploration of outsiders, and moral ambiguity, often tackling themes of loneliness and alienation with a profound emotional depth.