Core Points - Jonathan Kaplan, a prominent director in the film and television industry, passed away from late-stage liver cancer at the age of 77 on August 1 in Los Angeles [1] - Kaplan is best known for directing "The Accused," a film that addressed the sensitive topic of rape and remains relevant in today's discussions about victim rights and societal attitudes [1][7] Group 1: Early Life and Career - Jonathan Kaplan was born on November 25, 1947, into a family involved in the entertainment industry, with his father being a film composer and his mother an actress [3] - After his family moved to New York due to his father's blacklisting during the McCarthy era, Kaplan pursued a film education at New York University, where he studied under Martin Scorsese [3] - Kaplan's entry into the film industry was facilitated by Roger Corman, who offered him a directing opportunity for the low-budget film "Night Nurse" [5] Group 2: The Accused - "The Accused" was inspired by a real-life case involving the brutal rape of a young woman, which sparked national discussions on victim privacy and legal protections [6][8] - The film's production faced challenges in casting due to its sensitive subject matter, with many prominent actresses declining roles [8] - Judy Foster, who played the victim, received critical acclaim for her performance, winning the Academy Award for Best Actress [13] Group 3: Career Highlights - Following the success of "The Accused," Kaplan directed several notable films, including "Intimate Relations," "Dangerous Passion," and "Love Field," the latter earning Michelle Pfeiffer an Oscar nomination [13] - Kaplan transitioned to television in the new millennium, directing series such as "ER," for which he received multiple Emmy nominations [16]