Born in Santiago de Chile in 1972. Son of Chilean father and Spanish mother. Although, he has lived in Madrid for most of his life. He studied there and undertook studies at the School of Information Sciences.
Before graduating, Amenábar already showed signs of success with his short films: La Cabeza and Himenóptero. At least that is what the veteran director Jose Luis Cuerda believed and decided to sponsor his job “Tesis” after viewing those works. This thriller about snuff movies, which he co-wrote with his friend and colleague Mateo Gil, became one of the hottest debuts of Spanish cinema, to the point that was honored with seven Goya awards, including best film and new director .
Was it Tesis just beginner’s luck for Alejandro? His next film Abre los ojos proved otherwise. He directed this film with more resources and a much more complex storyline; fact, fiction, physical appearance, were added issues to his earlier exploration about the violence fascination. He created powerful visuals, always trying to control as much possible in the movie, including the musical score, which he composes for most of his films. Perhaps this desire to control everything gave him a cold feature, which would be the greatest critique from his harshest critics.
In any case Abre los ojos, captivated none other than Tom Cruise, who eventually played the main part in the American remake. This would simplify the signing of who was then Tom’s wife, Nicole Kidman, for the new Amenábar film: The Others. It was Alejandro’s first time shooting in English, and delivered a similar story by by Henry James, though curiously the director has always claimed he did not know this essential ghost story.
Mar Adentro was film of great emotional intensity, it represented Spain at the Oscars and has served to resume controversial topic of euthanasia in Spain. Amenábar also received the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, the award for best director at the European Film Awards and the Golden Globe for best foreign film.