Jonathan Demme (1944-2017) was an influential American director, winner of an Academy Award for *The Silence of the Lambs* (1991), an acclaimed psychological thriller that redefined the genre. Other notable successes include the social drama *Philadelphia* (1993), for which its lead actor won an Academy Award, and the innovative concert film *Stop Making Sense* (1984) by Talking Heads, considered among the best of its genre.

His career spanned a variety of genres, including comedies such as *Something Wild* (1986) and dramas like *Melvin and Howard* (1980). Demme was known for his humanist approach and his ability to create complex and empathetic characters, often outsiders or on the fringes of society. His style was characterized by dynamic direction and an intimate gaze on the faces of his protagonists.