Remembering Alan Trustman: A Tribute to the Iconic Screenwriter of The Thomas Crown Affair and Bullitt
Alan Trustman, the acclaimed screenwriter behind iconic films like The Thomas Crown Affair and Bullitt, has passed away at the age of 95. His son, John Trustman, confirmed his death in a Miami nursing home on February 5. Trustman's impressive career also included co-writing They Call Me Mister Tibbs! in 1970, a crime drama starring Sidney Poitier as detective Virgil Tibbs.
Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, Trustman initially pursued a career as a corporate lawyer after graduating from Harvard Law School. However, his passion for storytelling led him to venture into the world of filmmaking. Trustman's breakthrough came when he pitched the idea for a bank heist film to a New York literary agent, which eventually became The Thomas Crown Affair. The movie, directed by Norman Jewison and starring Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway, was a critical and commercial success.
Following the success of The Thomas Crown Affair, Trustman collaborated with Harry Kleiner on the screenplay for Bullitt, another McQueen-starring film known for its thrilling car chase scenes. Trustman's keen eye for detail and storytelling prowess made him a sought-after screenwriter in Hollywood. He later worked on projects like Lady Ice, Hit!, and The Tracker, showcasing his versatility in the industry.
In addition to his screenwriting career, Trustman also dabbled in novel writing, teaching screenwriting at prestigious universities, and trading currency. His legacy in the film industry lives on through his timeless scripts and memorable characters. Alan Trustman's contributions to cinema will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.