Roman Polanski Biography

Roman Polanski is a celebrated film director, producer, and actor. He began his cinematic career making films in Poland before eventually making films in the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. He made his American debut with the classic horror ‘Rosemary’s Baby.’ He is regarded as a “truly international filmmaker” as he has made films in many countries. Born shortly before the ‘World War II,’ he endured a very difficult childhood. He barely survived the Holocaust in which his mother died. Subsequently, Polanski was separated from his father for some time. Even before he had turned 12, he had witnessed the horrors of war—he had been savagely beaten, tortured, and humiliated. As a young boy, he had taken a fascination for films, and watched movies in order to escape the harsh realities of life. He was reunited with his father after the war, and went to the ‘National Film School’ in Poland. His first feature film was the Polish movie ‘Knife in the Water’ which got international recognition, giving him an opportunity to work for a wider audience. He made films in several countries and ultimately made his American film debut with ‘Rosemary’s Baby.’ The brilliant director also made headlines for an infamous child sexual abuse case during the 1970s.