Bruce Joel Rubin!

Welcome to the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning! Today we have a really cool dive into an Oscar winning screenwriter and director, Bruce Joel Rubin!

Bruce Joel Rubin is one of those rare screenwriters who can make you cry, think about the afterlife, and cheer for a talking mouse; all in the same career. Best known for his Oscar-winning screenplay for “Ghost” (1990), Rubin brought heart and soul to one of the most iconic love stories of the ’90s. But his talent doesn’t stop at the supernatural and romantic; he also wrote the screenplay for “Stuart Little 2” (2002), proving his incredible range. Whether it’s crafting moments of spiritual reflection or giving a tiny mouse a big heroic arc, Rubin knows how to connect with audiences of all ages.

While “Ghost” made him a household name, Rubin’s career has been full of thoughtful, emotionally rich stories. He penned the chilling and cerebral “Jacob’s Ladder” (1990), the heartfelt “My Life” (1993) starring Michael Keaton, and the apocalyptic drama “Deep Impact” (1998). His stories often explore mortality, consciousness, and redemption; but he can just as easily shift gears into the world of family films and animation, as seen with “Stuart Little 2”, which added a soaring adventure twist to the beloved mouse’s tale. Rubin has a knack for making the fantastical feel deeply human.

Fun fact: Before his Hollywood breakout, Rubin studied at NYU Film School and spent time in a Buddhist monastery in the Himalayas; a spiritual journey that shaped much of his storytelling. That inner journey translates into screenplays that often ask big, meaningful questions about life and death. Even in a children’s film like “Stuart Little 2”, you can sense Rubin’s gift for emotional stakes and deeper meaning, all wrapped in a fun, family-friendly adventure.

Bruce Joel Rubin may not always be front and center in Hollywood conversations, but his work has left an unforgettable imprint. Whether you’re tearing up over a ghostly love story, unraveling a haunting psychological mystery, or cheering on a mouse in a red plane, Rubin’s writing has touched hearts across genres and generations. His ability to blend the spiritual with the cinematic is something truly special; and a big reason why he remains a fan favorite for film lovers around the world.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Bruce Rabin: If it’s in front of you, it’s yours. If it’s in front of you, it’s sacred.

Thank you for reading today’s article! We will see you next week with another awesome one!

-Giancarlo