Barry Sonnenfeld

The director who framed Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones against an intergalactic backdrop using wide-angle lenses and offbeat comedy.

Barry Sonnenfeld is the American filmmaker who directed the Men in Black trilogy, bringing the franchise to life with films released in 1997, 2002, and 2012. Originally a cinematographer for the Coen brothers, he transitioned to directing with The Addams Family before helming this sci-fi comedy series. Starring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, the first film became a critical and financial success in 1997. Sonnenfeld utilized his background in photography to craft unique camera angles and offbeat dialogue, creating a distinct tone for stories about unusual people. The third installment, Men in Black 3, released in 2012, received positive reviews and became the highest-grossing film in the series worldwide.

Quick Facts

Born

1 April 1953

Birthplace

New York City, New York, U.S.

Years active

1978–present

Spouse

Susan L. "Sweetie" Ringo (1989)

Children

Chloe Sonnenfeld

Education

Hampshire College (BA); New York University (MFA)

Occupation

Film director
producer
cinematographer

Lore & Background

Barry Sonnenfeld's journey to directing Men in Black began with his extensive work behind the camera. Before meeting Joel Coen at a Christmas party, he worked on pornographic films and served as director of photography for In Our Water. After being hired for Blood Simple (1984), he collaborated with the Coen brothers on Raising Arizona and Miller's Crossing, and also shot When Harry Met Sally... and Misery. This cinematography foundation defined his directorial style, characterized by unusual camera angles and a focus on strange behavior. In 1996, Steven Spielberg asked him to direct Men in Black (1997). The film starred Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith as agents protecting Earth from extraterrestrial threats. Following this success, he directed the sequel Men in Black II in 2002. His tenure concluded with Men in Black 3 in 2012, which became the highest-grossing entry in the franchise.

Reader's Guide

For fans studying the Men in Black films, Barry Sonnenfeld's specific techniques are essential to understanding their unique appeal. His background as a cinematographer for the Coen brothers and Rob Reiner informed his approach to directing. He frequently employed unusual camera angles and offbeat dialogue to highlight the strange behavior of characters and creatures within the story. The trilogy features Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, whose chemistry was captured through these distinct visual choices. While the first film in 1997 was a major success, the second installment in 2002 continued the legacy before the third film arrived in 2012. Men in Black 3 stands out as the highest-grossing entry in the series globally. Sonnenfeld's ability to balance comedy with science fiction elements created a template for unusual and unorthodox storytelling that defined the franchise.

Did You Know?

Before directing, Sonnenfeld worked as a cinematographer on Blood Simple (1984), Raising Arizona (1987), and Miller's Crossing (1990).
Sonnenfeld also directed the comedy Big Trouble in 2002, released between Men in Black II and III.