Anecdotes

Was offered the job of directing Harry Potter et le Prisonnier d'Azkaban (2004), but declined and did Neverland (2004) instead.

Declined a $500,000 offer to direct a film despite having no income at the time and living from money he borrowed from friends. He didn't believe the script was good and was afraid his reputation as a director would suffer.

The first movie he saw in cinema was Apocalypse Now (1979).

Born to Dr. Wolf Forster, a German doctor, and his wife Ulli Forster. He was born in Germany, but grew up in Davos Switzerland.

Turned down the chance to direct Le secret de Brokeback Mountain (2005).

Has directed Halle Berry (for À l'ombre de la haine (2001)) and Johnny Depp (for Neverland (2004)) in Oscar-nominated performances. Halle Berry is so far the only performer to win an Oscar under his direction, having won the Best Actress Oscar.

Is the youngest of three brothers. His oldest brother Wolfgang committed suicide in 1998. His brother Peter is a lawyer.

Moved to Davos, Switzerland with his German parents, when he was a small child.

Supported a Swiss HIV prevention campaign together with Renée Zellweger (2005).

Considering himself Swiss, he is the first non-Commonwealth director to helm an Eon-produced Bond film.

Became honorary citizen of Davos (November 2007) and now has a German and a Swiss citizenship.

Invited to join AMPAS in 2005.

His father died from cancer in 1998.

Attended New York University's film school from 1990 to 1993.

Was a student of the famous Institut Montana Zugerberg in Switzerland, then an all-boys school.

He has directed one film that has been nominated for the Best Picture Oscar: Neverland (2004).

After his studies in New York, he moved to Los Angeles.