Trivia

His films lack post-credits scenes because he considers them a cheat if you can't end a film properly before the credits.

Has directed 3 different actors in Oscar-nominated performances: Angelina Jolie in Girl, Interrupted (1999), and Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix in Walk the Line (2005). Both Jolie and Witherspoon won Oscars for their performances in his films.

Was set to direct a Boba Fett standalone film for Star Wars in the vein of a spaghetti western, but he dropped out.

Is an alumnus of the Film Division of Columbia University's School of the Arts.

Has made two biographies into movies--Susanna Kaysen and Johnny Cash.

His CalArts student film "Barn" was about a barn that was alive and swallowed a boy.

Went to Washingtonville High School, NY.

Has two sons with Cathy Konrad: James Jr. and Konrad Mangold.

Actively searching for a studio to finance his next film, 3:10 to Yuma (2007), with Russell Crowe attached in the lead role. Aiming for an October start date. (July 2006)