Writer and producer in American film from the early 1980s. Arlen's screenwriting debut SILKWOOD (1983), which she co-wrote with Norah Ephron, earned an Oscar® nomination for best original screenplay. She collaborated with Ephron again as co-writer and executive producer on the gangster comedy COOKIE (1989). Then Arlen subsequently worked with Louis Malle on the screenplay for ALAMO BAY (1985) and with Kathryn Bigelow on THE WEIGHT OF WATER / LE POIDS DE L'EAU (2000), based on the novel by Anita Shreve. In addition she served as associate producer for A SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM, (1990) directed by Jan Egleson and starring Michael Caine. She adapted Tony Hillerman's novel for the 2004 PBS "Mystery!" production, "A Thief of Time," and collaborated on the screenplay for THEN SHE FOUND ME (2007).    Nominated for Writing (Best Screenplay written directly for the screen) 1983: SILKWOOD (w. Nora Ephron) 1 nomination