Mike Figgis LEAVING LAS VEGAS (MGM/UA) Luniere Pictures/Ulacazes Production Mike Figgis has roots in experimental theatre and music, the two primary influences contributing to his vision for LEAVING LAS VEGAS. In a career which includes just nine feature films, Figgis has emerged as a visionary filmmaker who thrives on artistic risks. Though he has helmed such "mainstream" movies as Internal Affairs starring Richard Gere, the British-born filmmaker has exhibited his more eclectic personal style in such films as Stormy Monday and Liebestraum. Born in Carlisle, England, Figgis moved to Nairobi, Kenya as a baby. He lived there until his family relocated to Newcastle in the north of England when he was eight. As a teenager, he started playing trumpet and guitar with various rock and roll bands, one of which was the R & B group Gas Board, featuring future British pop star Brian Ferry. In the early 1970s, Figgis joined England's foremost avant-garde theatre group "The People Show" as a musician, but was soon drafted into performing. For the next 10 years, The People Show toured the world with great success and critical acclaim. In 1980, Figgis left "The People Show" to concentrate on writing and directing theatre, as well as to break into film. He formed his own theatre company and began creating multi-media productions which included an extensive use of film. One of these projects, Redhugh 1980 caught the eye of England's Channel Four, which then financed Figgis' first film, The House. His next film Stormy Monday marked his emergence into full-length features. Internal Affairs. marked his impressive bow into American Films. Figgis more recently directed Mr. Jones, pairing Richard Gere and Lena Olin, and The Browning Version starring Albert Finney and Greta Scacchi.

---