LOS ANGELES, May 9 -- James Foley, the acclaimed director behind Glengarry Glen Ross, and who worked with stars like Al Pacino, Madonna, and Chow Yun-fat, has died at 71-years old.

His death occurred at his home here earlier this week, after a year-long battle with brain cancer, The Los Angeles Times reported today, citing Foley's representative Florent Lamy.

"James Foley was not only a talented director but also a dear friend.

"He was one of my very first clients, and over time, he became someone very special in my life," Lamy was quoted as saying.

Foley was best known for his dark, atmospheric films and collaborations with Hollywood stars such as Al Pacino, Sean Penn, Madonna, and Halle Berry.

His directing debut came in 1984 with ...