Roman Polanski is a renowned film director, producer, and screenwriter, born on August 18, 1933, in Paris, France. He gained fame for his unique storytelling style and has directed several critically acclaimed films, including Rosemary's Baby, Chinatown, and The Pianist. His work often explores themes of paranoia, isolation, and the darker aspects of human nature. Polanski's life has been marked by controversy, particularly due to his legal troubles stemming from a 1977 case involving underage sexual assault. Despite this, he has continued to work in the film industry, receiving numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Director for The Pianist in 2003.