Photo: James, P G (Lt), Royal Navy official photographer / Public domain (source: Wikimedia Commons)
Born on September 30, 1905, Michael Powell was from Kent, United Kingdom. Michael Powell was a film director, actor and screenwriter. Death is recorded on February 19, 1990, at the age of 84. Schooling on record includes Dulwich College. Awards on record include BAFTA Fellowship (1981), Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement (1982), Silver Bear (1951) and 1 more.
My Take
Michael Powell is, for my money, one of cinema's great visual poets. The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, The Tales of Hoffmann. These films pulse with color and obsession in ways most directors never approach. What strikes me most is the cruelty of his story: Peeping Tom was savaged on release and nearly ended his career, only to be vindicated decades later as a masterpiece. That gap between ambition and recognition tells me he was simply working ahead of his audience. His partnership with Pressburger remains a model of creative collaboration, and I think his fingerprints are still all over modern filmmaking.
1. Profile
- Name (English)
- Michael Powell
- Name (Japanese)
- マイケル・パウエル
- Reading
- まいける・ぱうえる
- Born
- September 30, 1905 – February 19, 1990
- Zodiac / Chinese zodiac
- Libra / Snake
- Origin
- Kent, United Kingdom
- Occupation
- film director / actor / screenwriter / film producer / writer
2. Background
- University
- Dulwich College
Awards & achievements
- 1981 BAFTA Fellowship
- 1982 Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement
- 1951 Silver Bear
- 1978 Doctor of Letters
3. Works & records
| Category | Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Notable work | Peeping Tom | — | |
| Notable work | The Tales of Hoffmann | — | |
| Notable work | Gone to Earth | — | |
| Notable work | The Small Back Room | — | |
| Notable work | The Red Shoes | — | |
| Notable work | Black Narcissus | — |
4. Links
5. About this entry
Tags
- Last updated
- 2026-06-21
Facts are limited to publicly available information up to 2024; non-public or unconfirmed items are omitted. English text is machine-assisted (facts translated by Sonnet, "My Take" written by Opus 4.8). The Japanese page is the source of record.
Frequently asked questions
When was Michael Powell born?
Born September 30, 1905.
When did Michael Powell die?
Died February 19, 1990, aged 84.
Where was Michael Powell from?
Michael Powell was from Kent, United Kingdom.
What did Michael Powell do?
Michael Powell worked as film director, actor, screenwriter, film producer, writer.
What was Michael Powell known for?
Notable works include Peeping Tom, The Tales of Hoffmann, Gone to Earth.
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