Dear John Cast: Lasse Hallström (Director)

Lasse Hallström (Director) recently finished the film Hachiko: A Dogs Story, based on the true story of a loyal dog, starring Richard Gere and Joan Allen. He directed the television pilot for New Amsterdam about an immortal detective in New York City, which premiered the beginning of March 2008. He has many film projects in various stages of development.

The Hoax with Richard Gere was released in April 2007 to much acclaim. His other recent films include Casanova with Heath Ledger and An Unfinished Life with Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman. Hallström'ss acclaimed adaptation of Joanna Harris' Chocolat, starring Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp and Judi Dench, earned five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

Hallström received a second Oscar nomination for Best Director for his work on The Cider House Rules, starring Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, and Michael Caine. This Swedish director's first Academy Award nomination for Best Director came with the 1985 release of My Life as a Dog, which was also nominated for Best Screenplay.

In 1993, Hallström directed Peter Hedges' What's Eating Gilbert Grape starring Johnny Depp, earning Leonardo DiCaprio his first Oscar nomination. Something to Talk About followed, starring Julia Roberts, Dennis Quaid, and Kyra Sedgewick in a story of two generations of a tumultuous Southern family.

Hallström began his career in his native Sweden, working in television and on shorts. In addition, he directed music videos, most notably for the famed Swedish band ABBA.

Other Cast

Channing Tatum Amanda Seyfried Scott Porter Henry Thomas Richard Jenkins