2001

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Paul Verhoeven (1938- ) has not acquiesced to making ordinary films. He has made films that pack punch. He has revealed more of himself, and of his actors, than most. He loves to provoke the audience and his more extreme movies have caused a moral uproar even in the liberal Holland. From Spetters (1980) to today, Verhoeven has been accused of overt violence, sexism, lack of morality and gloominess. He has been labelled a fascist, hedonist and a misogynist.

Verhoeven's international fame begun with Turks fruit (Turkish Delight, 1973), which quickly got a cult reputation thanks to its numerous sex scenes. It is still the most successful Dutch movie of all time. This revealing and tragic love story from the 1960's changed the way the world thought about Dutch cinema.

Fifteen years ago Verhoeven emigrated to the United States, and has since then been essentially a mainstream studio director. He has not lost his edge for social criticism though; his Hollywood films all feature the idea that everything is for sale in the US.

As a film maker Verhoeven is very precise, he has a clear vision about what he wants to end up in the silver screen. He has his own camera crew, and since 1970 he has used only three cinematographers in his films: Jan de Bont and Jost Vacano, both Dutch and friends of his have been the usual choises. Mat Van Hensbergin has done one film. Verhoeven also found the actor Rutger Hauer.

Verhoeven is the most successful Dutch director ever. Every film of his that has been released theatrically in Finland has been a hit, even though they have all been from his Hollywood period. Of his Dutch films only Turkish Delight and The Soldier of Orange have been released in Finland. Verhoeven's short films have never before been presented in Finland.

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