Who is Sidney Lumet from Flashback: A Brief History of Film and what is their importance?

Sidney Lumet was a television producer before turning to filmmaking. He made more than one movie per year in the 1960s and had a good rapport with his actors. His more serious movies showed his ability to bring out emotional intensity in his actors. Historians divide his work into three categories; literary and theatrical adaptations of prestigious properties, projects for profit and enjoyment, and social dramas, mostly taking place in New York City. Social dramas were above all his greatest strength.