Richard Brooks (1912-1992) was an influential American director, screenwriter, and producer, known for his incisive approach and his predilection for social, moral, and psychological themes. He often adapted complex literary works, giving rise to films of great dramatic intensity.

His career includes portrayals of youth rebellion in *Blackboard Jungle* (1955) and celebrated adaptations of Tennessee Williams, such as *Cat on a Hot Tin Roof* (1958). He won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for *Elmer Gantry* (1960), an analysis of religious fraud. Among his masterpieces stands out *In Cold Blood* (1967), an innovative semi-documentary crime drama. Other significant works include the Western *The Professionals* (1966).

His style was characterized by raw realism and an attention to the inner complexities of characters, often leading actors to memorable performances.