David Fincher, an American film and music video director, boasts an estimated net worth of $100 million. He is widely known for directing some of the most well-regarded psychological thrillers in film history. Throughout his illustrious career, Fincher has been nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards twice, and his films have collectively garnered 30 Oscar nominations.
Fincher’s journey into filmmaking started early in life. His first foray into film was through directing music videos. In 1993, Fincher transitioned into feature films with “Alien 3,” a project that proved challenging. However, it was his next works, particularly “Seven” (1995) and “Fight Club” (1999), that earned him widespread recognition. Throughout the 2000s, he continued to direct hits such as “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” and “The Social Network.”
In the mid-to-late 2010s, Fincher began to focus on television projects. His first notable series was the critically acclaimed “House of Cards.” Continuing his partnership with Netflix, Fincher signed a lucrative deal with the streaming giant, which led to more projects like “Mindhunter” and the animated series “Love, Death & Robots.” He also directed the film “Mank,” released on Netflix.
Early Life of David Fincher
David Andrew Leo Fincher was born on August 28, 1962, in Denver, Colorado. When Fincher was two years old, his family moved to San Anselmo, California. It was here that Fincher grew up and became neighbors with filmmaker George Lucas. From a young age, Fincher exhibited a strong interest in filmmaking. This passion was ignited after watching a documentary about the making of the classic film “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
By the time he was eight, Fincher had already begun creating his own short films using an 8mm camera. His teenage years saw further development in his filmmaking pursuits. After moving to Ashland, Oregon, he directed school plays and designed sets. He also worked as a projectionist at a local movie theater and as a production assistant at a news station. To support himself financially after high school, Fincher took on various jobs, including being a busboy, dishwasher, and fry cook.
Fincher’s Career Beginnings
David Fincher’s early career in the film industry began when he worked as a production head at John Korty’s studio. He was also hired by George Lucas to serve as a visual effects producer for the animated film “Twice Upon a Time.” During the early 1980s, Fincher worked on major films like “Return of the Jedi” and “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.”
His big break came in the mid-1980s when Fincher was hired to direct a commercial for the American Cancer Society. The commercial featured a striking image of a fetus smoking a cigarette, which caught the attention of Hollywood producers. Soon after, Fincher’s career began to take off, and he directed numerous commercials, documentaries, and music videos.
Music Videos and Commercials
After gaining experience in various film-related roles, Fincher co-founded Propaganda Films, a production company. Though initially working on commercials, Fincher’s true passion lay in directing music videos. His work with artists such as Paula Abdul, Michael Jackson, George Michael, Billy Idol, and Aerosmith helped him gain recognition.
Fincher is particularly well-known for directing some of Madonna’s most iconic music videos. These projects established him as a creative force in the music video industry, and his success would later translate into opportunities in feature filmmaking.
Directorial Debut: Alien 3 and Later Films
In 1990, Fincher was given the chance to direct his first feature film, “Alien 3.” The movie was already experiencing production difficulties when he took over, and its critical reception was mixed. While some critics appreciated its unique tone, Fincher was ultimately dissatisfied with the way the film turned out and has since distanced himself from it.
Despite the setback with “Alien 3,” Fincher’s career took a positive turn with the release of “Seven” in 1995. The psychological thriller became a critical and commercial hit, grossing over $320 million. The film’s disturbing themes and intense atmosphere made it a standout in the genre, and it solidified Fincher’s place as a director to watch.
Rise to Fame: Fight Club and Zodiac
In 1997, Fincher followed up with “Fight Club,” another film that received mixed reviews upon release but has since become a cult classic. Initially, audiences struggled to understand the film’s complex narrative and dark themes, but over time, “Fight Club” developed a loyal following and is now considered one of the most intelligent and multi-layered films of the modern era.
In the 2000s, Fincher continued his success with films like “Panic Room” and “Zodiac.” During this time, he earned a reputation as a perfectionist. Actors often found themselves redoing scenes multiple times, sometimes upwards of 50 takes. This demand for perfection stemmed from Fincher’s desire to avoid “earnestness” in performances and instead strive for authenticity.
Later Successes: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and The Social Network
Throughout the 2000s, Fincher worked on more notable films, including “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (2008) and “The Social Network” (2010). “The Social Network” proved to be one of his most successful films, winning three Academy Awards. The film, which tells the story of Facebook’s creation, was praised for its direction, screenplay, and performances.
In 2011, Fincher directed “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” a psychological thriller based on the popular novel. The film received positive reviews and further cemented Fincher’s reputation for crafting intense, thought-provoking films. The following year, he turned his attention to television, starting with the political drama “House of Cards.” The series garnered nine Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
Television and Netflix Projects
Fincher’s foray into television marked a new chapter in his career. After his success with “House of Cards,” he continued working with Netflix, where he developed the psychological thriller series “Mindhunter.” The series received critical acclaim for its portrayal of FBI agents studying serial killers. Additionally, Fincher served as an executive producer for the animated series “Love, Death & Robots” and directed the film “Mank,” which was also released on Netflix.
Real Estate Investments
Outside of his film and television work, David Fincher has made notable real estate investments. In 2015, he purchased a luxurious $6 million apartment in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan. The 2,200-square-foot residence includes three bedrooms and was designed by renowned architect Steven Harris. With a private elevator, 10-foot ceilings, and various building amenities, the apartment is considered a prime property in Manhattan.
In addition to his New York property, Fincher and his longtime partner, producer Cean Chaffin, own a Los Angeles estate in the Los Feliz neighborhood. They initially purchased the property for $3 million in 1996. In April 2021, they expanded their real estate holdings by purchasing a second Los Feliz property for $2.8 million.
