Fave Directors - Who do you love and why?

[Odetta]

So... this is a thread to discuss directors. Who are your faves and why?

[Storyslinger]

I like Mick Garris for some of the works that he has done by sai King.

Mainly The Stand

[Odetta]

I just watched Heat again yesterday for like the billionth time and I realize how much I like Michael Mann. The mood he creates... I just love it.

[fernandito]

Quentin Tarantino & Robert Rodriguez for the raw power that their movies emit (mainly Reservoir Dogs and Desperado, respectively). Stanley Kubrick for his habit of making films into brilliant tour de forces' of images, and the way he embeds social commentary and satire. James Cameron for his vision and attention to detail. Martin Scorsese for his ability to recreate real life events into enjoyable and unforgetable films. Tim Burton for dazzling us with just about every movie he makes. The list goes on and on...

[Storyslinger]

I like Burton to and also John Carpenter

[Brice]

Everyone Feev said...plus Oliver Stone, Frank Darabont, others I can't think of right now.

[jayson]

Quentin Tarantino & Robert Rodriguez for the raw power that their movies emit (mainly Reservoir Dogs and Desperado, respectively). Stanley Kubrick for his habit of making films into brilliant tour de forces' of images, and the way he embeds social commentary and satire. James Cameron for his vision and attention to detail. Martin Scorsese for his ability to recreate real life events into enjoyable and unforgetable films. Tim Burton for dazzling us with just about every movie he makes. The list goes on and on...

all of the above are excellent choices Fev!
i'd also add Richard Linklater for showing that good "story" doesn't have to be formulaic and my hero, Terry Gilliam for, well for Brazil alone he ranks as my fav director ever, but for his ability to create realistic nightmares and dream worlds and making every shot stunning to look at.

[obscurejude]

I'm a big fan of Zwick. I think his landscapes are amazing and he provides a good combination of action sequences and thought provoking social commentary (Last Samurai and Blood Diamond).

[Letti]

Quentin Tarantino & Luc Besson

[jayson]

Luc Besson is great Letti. good choice!

[Letti]

Thanks. I do love most of his films.

[jayson]

Thanks. I do love most of his films.

i do too, except i didn't really care for "The Messenger" very much. i like the joan d'arc story, but didn't like this film so much. Now, Leon [aka "The Professional"] that is a GREAT movie

[Letti]

I watched Leon 10 times or much more as a kid.

[Heather19]

Quentin Tarentino, I just love the way he tells a story. He'll jump around, but in the end it all makes complete sense. I love his camera work and editing most of all. He really knows how to set up a great shot.

Tim Burton, all of his films are just so beautiful. They have a dreamlike quality to them that I love.

I'll go see any film either of them put out without hesitation, and even if I'm not too fond of the story, I know there'll be other things about the film that I'll enjoy.

Oh, and Hitchcock of course, we can't forget about him.

[Mattrick]

Clint Eastwood (I can't believe none of you have mentioned him)

Ridley Scott

Cameron Crowe

Roman Polanski

Steven Spielberg

Christopher Nolan

Quentin Tarantino

Martin Scorscese

James Cameron

Tim Burton

M. Night Shyamalan

I feel like I'm missing somebody....

[Unfound One]

michel gondry for eternal sunshine of the spotless mind - brilliant movie and one of my favorites.
and of course,
peter jackson...
yeah, i'm a lord of the rings nerd as well :)

[Letti]

Anyway Quentin Tarentino is incredibly good at choosing the right acters.

[Mattrick]

peter jackson...
yeah, i'm a lord of the rings nerd as well :)

I was hoping he wouldn't be named. While his movies may be good, imo, some of his techniques, especially the overuse of slow motion, get to me sometimes.

[Unfound One]

ah i'm gonna agree with you on that one actually...
especially *one* of the last endings of return of the king - frodo in bed with everybody else coming in one by one. terrible. ha.

[Brice]

David Lynch

[Heather19]

Anyway Quentin Tarentino is incrdibly good at choosing the right acters.

Yes he is, as well as choosing music. He always has the perfect song playing at right moment.

And Brice, I can't believe I forgot about David Lynch. He is great as well.

[Mattrick]

ah i'm gonna agree with you on that one actually...
especially *one* of the last endings of return of the king - frodo in bed with everybody else coming in one by one. terrible. ha.

I love how he says everyones name but when Legolas walks in he says nothing as if 'who....are you, again, exactly?'

[fernandito]

In the name of all that is holy, how could I possibly forget to mention Sir Ridley Scott? Alien and Gladiator are two of the best movies ever.

(hangs head in shame)

[Storyslinger]

In the name of all that is holy, how could I possibly forget to mention Sir Ridley Scott? Alien and Gladiator are two of the best movies ever.

(hangs head in shame)

Hear, Hear!

[Ruthful]

Critics give Scorcese crap-much of it justified-but you can't watch The Godfather or The Departed-granted, that one was essentially plagiarized wholesale from the popular Chinese original-and say he isn't at least somewhat talented.

I'm not going to delve into the minutiae of why I like each of these directors, but I'll give a more detailed explanation if asked,

-Jafar Panahi
-Tim Burton
-Pedro Almodóvar
-The Hughes brothers
-Christopher Nolan
-Ang Lee
-Chen Kaige
-Stanley Kubrick
-Federico Fellini
-Ingmar Bergman
-Akira Kurosawa
-Nicolas Winding Refn
-John Landis

[jayson]

Critics give Scorcese crap-much of it justified-but you can't watch The Godfather or The Departed-granted, that one was essentially plagiarized wholesale from the popular Chinese original-and say he isn't at least somewhat talented.

i can watch the godfather and say whatever i want about scorcese since coppola directed it. i get your point though, and if you sub goodfellas in there, all the better.

[Ruthful]

Pfft...

All of those Italians look alike.

:P

What can I say?

I'm not much of a cineaste.

:unsure:

I love Goodfellas though. The one thing I didn't enjoy was how much the film underplayed the imbecility of Henry Hill, although the final line of the film clues in the audience a bit.

[fernandito]

I think the whole movie is a play on his imbecility :lol:

[Unfound One]

ah i'm gonna agree with you on that one actually...
especially *one* of the last endings of return of the king - frodo in bed with everybody else coming in one by one. terrible. ha.

I love how he says everyones name but when Legolas walks in he says nothing as if 'who....are you, again, exactly?'

ha! don't even get me started on legolas.
especially orlando bloom playing him.
every thing he says in all three movies = captain obvious
ugh.

[Mattrick]

lol

*Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli stare down 10,000 orcs.*
Legolas: There are orcs.

I recently sat through Pirates 3 - At World's End for the second time. Bloom was horrible. HAve you by any chance seen Elizabethtown directed by Cameron Crowe? It's a good movie but Bloom plays a lead whom goes through many underlying issues and grows throughout the movie yet we just wouldn't see it if we weren't told. Shame Bloom had to take that movie down from something much better.


In the name of all that is holy, how could I possibly forget to mention Sir Ridley Scott? Alien and Gladiator are two of the best movies ever.

I've yet to see Blade Runner but I love Matchstick Men.

[Unfound One]

*Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli discuss what to do to save Frodo*
Aragorn: We can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's Eye fixed upon us.
Legolas: A diversion.
oh really? that's what that's called? man jesus...

And yeah, absolutely. Pirates is only good because of Johnny, imo. The third one did get a little long though, I went to the midnight premier and fell asleep a couple times.
I haven't seen Elizabethtown for the very reason that Orlando was in it and it looked like a chicflic... I'm not a big fan. Shall I give it a try though?
Also - Bladerunner. Brilliant film, one of my favorites.

[Mattrick]

*Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli discuss what to do to save Frodo*
Aragorn: We can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's Eye fixed upon us.
Legolas: A diversion.
oh really? that's what that's called? man jesus...

That's the line I meant to remember about it lol


I haven't seen Elizabethtown for the very reason that Orlando was in it and it looked like a chicflic... I'm not a big fan. Shall I give it a try though?


If you've seen any Cameron Crowe films 'Jerry McGuire, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky' there is the prevailant story story aspect to it. But, like the previous movies it's pretty well done. The supporting cast was all good, Bloom is the only ink in the water. But the rest of the movie is well worth a watch. Me and my friend say it all the time 'why did Elizabethtown have Bloom in it? WHY CAMERON WHY!?' it could have had ANYONE else in it, besides Vin Diesel, Brendan Fraser and a few of that ilk. Keanu would've been better.

[Ruthful]

I think the whole movie is a play on his imbecility :lol:

To a certain degree, but they still had to trim their sails in order to obtain his cooperation with the script. You only get a taste of what a complete stunad this guy is, and how that led him to make the series of decisions that completely destroyed his life.

[cozener]

Peter Jackson...I love him for what he did with The Lord of the Rings. I don't know what else he's done. I don't care. This was plenty.

Tim Burton...I love just about every movie he's done

John Carpenter...I like the feel of his movies and The Thing is one of my favorite sci fi flicks

Quentin Tarantino...his flicks just blow me away...Dusk til Dawn might just be my favorite vampire movie of all time.

Russell Mulcahy...just for directing Highlander.

John McTiernan...just for directing Die Hard

Ridley Scott...Alien, Bladerunner, etc

Clint Eastwood...every movie this guy has directed was a solid flick...most of them outfuckingstanding.

And why the hell does everyone hate Orlando Bloom? He's not a bad actor...as good as most if you ask me. And the scripts he delivers are not his fault. Don't hate the guy because he's pretty! :)

[Mattrick]

Clint Eastwood...every movie this guy has directed was a solid flick...most of them outfuckingstanding.

My favourite director. His style is so basic and elementary but that is what makes it so good. Mystic River is in my top five favourite movies. I was blown away when I first seen it. Fucking Return of the King just had to take best picture and Jackson stole the directing away which he didn't deserve next to Clint. Hadn't see an oscar travesty so bad since Shakesphere In Love beat Saving Private Ryan.


And why the hell does everyone hate Orlando Bloom? He's not a bad actor...as good as most if you ask me. And the scripts he delivers are not his fault. Don't hate the guy because he's pretty! :)

Because he has two expressions; perplexed and intense eyes, perplexed face. Seeing Bloom star in a quality movie like Elizabethtown and know he dragged it down where as a heath ledger or even Hayden Christensen would've suited ore. Bloom can play actiony, heart throb roll as much as he wants but when he starts rolling into movies by my favourite directors with his mediocracy and monotoned acting I get sad.

[Odetta]

don't even get me started on Christensen, Mattrick... yuk!

[Mattrick]

I just said this in another thread but watch Life as a House and Shattered Glass to see his talents :D

[fernandito]

His biggest talent is fucking up everything he appears in.

[Odetta]

:lol:

[jayson]

Quentin Tarantino...his flicks just blow me away...Dusk til Dawn might just be my favorite vampire movie of all time.


me too dude, me too, though i believe QT only wrote and produced it and "acted" in it, while Robert Rodriguez directed it. that said it is still a great vamp movie. not only is it worth it for salma hayek alone, it has great humor, and action rodriguez style and an awesome soundtrack [which you knew Tarantino had a hand in picking].

[Heather19]

I just said this in another thread but watch Life as a House and Shattered Glass to see his talents :D

Great film. Haven't heard of Shattered Glass though, what is it about?

[cozener]

Quentin Tarantino...his flicks just blow me away...Dusk til Dawn might just be my favorite vampire movie of all time.


me too dude, me too, though i believe QT only wrote and produced it and "acted" in it, while Robert Rodriguez directed it. that said it is still a great vamp movie. not only is it worth it for salma hayek alone, it has great humor, and action rodriguez style and an awesome soundtrack [which you knew Tarantino had a hand in picking]. Ah...didn't know that. But I have to wonder how much input he had in the direction. I mean he was big at this point. Its his screenplay. He produced it. He's also constantly on the set because he's in it. The movie has a lot of that Tarantino feel to it.

[Mattrick]

I just said this in another thread but watch Life as a House and Shattered Glass to see his talents :D

Great film. Haven't heard of Shattered Glass though, what is it about?

It's based on the true story of Stephen Glass, a politcal journalist for a washington politcal paper who learned how to fabricate news stories without the fact checkers finding the fallacies and was much loved for his journalistic abilities for years until it all caught up with him. It's a very good movie.



I love From Dusk Till Dawn but I almost wish it didn't turn into a vampire movie halfway through. You have a whole plotline going with no mention or foreshadowing of vampires. You could seriously tell someone the movie is about two outlaws getting into mexico to out run authorities and they would be shocked when Salma Hayek transforms.

I still think Tarantino's best screeplays were written with Roger Avery so I don't think Tarantino can take all the credit for his earlier works. Kill Bill is his only movie since Pulp Fiction that was great. IMO, Tarantino needs to revitalize himself. He's considered this amazing talent for what, a couple good movies? Of course Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs wouldn't have been as good if not for their amazing casts.

I hated Death Proof, it was a wretched movie. He says 'it was a homage picture' but seemed to purposely make a bad movie just because the old ones were bad.


His biggest talent is fucking up everything he appears in. Again, basing ones acting talents on seeing him in action movies isn't a good way to show someones talents. If you've seen the two movies I listed then badmouth him all you want. Unlike an Orlando Bloom or a Vin Diesel or a Keanu Reeves he's not helpless without explosions.

[jayson]

Quentin Tarantino...his flicks just blow me away...Dusk til Dawn might just be my favorite vampire movie of all time.


me too dude, me too, though i believe QT only wrote and produced it and "acted" in it, while Robert Rodriguez directed it. that said it is still a great vamp movie. not only is it worth it for salma hayek alone, it has great humor, and action rodriguez style and an awesome soundtrack [which you knew Tarantino had a hand in picking]. Ah...didn't know that. But I have to wonder how much input he had in the direction. I mean he was big at this point. Its his screenplay. He produced it. He's also constantly on the set because he's in it. The movie has a lot of that Tarantino feel to it.

a lot i am sure. with the dvd is a great making of documentary. it was rodriguez' film but QT had a MAJOR hand in it.

[sarah]

Quentin Tarantino & Robert Rodriguez for the raw power that their movies emit (mainly Reservoir Dogs and Desperado, respectively). . Martin Scorsese for his ability to recreate real life events into enjoyable and unforgetable films. Tim Burton for dazzling us with just about every movie he makes. The list goes on and on...


oh yes, exactly. I feel the same way. I edited out Kubrick because I personally haven't liked any movie he's done with the exception of The Shining.


Everyone Feev said...plus Oliver Stone, Frank Darabont, others I can't think of right now.

seriously, Frank Darabont is freaking amazing. I just watched The Shawshank Redemption the other day and I'm still so impressed. I personally and not a fan of Oliver Stone.


I also want to add Clint Eastwood as a director. Amazing every time around, imo

[fernandito]

Quentin Tarantino & Robert Rodriguez for the raw power that their movies emit (mainly Reservoir Dogs and Desperado, respectively). . Martin Scorsese for his ability to recreate real life events into enjoyable and unforgetable films. Tim Burton for dazzling us with just about every movie he makes. The list goes on and on...

oh yes, exactly. I feel the same way. I edited out Kubrick because I personally haven't liked any movie he's done with the exception of The Shining.


You left out James Cameron? T2? :(

Oh yeah, and that whole Stanley Kubrick thing will definitely have to be addressed once we meet face to face ;)

Also, as far as I know , Rodriguez writes the music for the majority of his movies. There's a special feature in Once Upon A Time In Mexico where he gives a quick tour through his studio-home, and he plays guitar while the scene with eyeless Depp plays in the backround. His band is also the one that performed the Malageña song at the end of Kill Bill Vol. 2.

[jayson]

Also, as far as I know , Rodriguez writes the music for the majority of his movies. There's a special feature in Once Upon A Time In Mexico where he gives a quick tour through his studio-home, and he plays guitar while the scene with eyeless Depp plays in the backround. His band is also the one that performed the Malageña song at the end of Kill Bill Vol. 2.

that is true, though not the case with Dusk Til Dawn. The soundtrack features a wide array of artists, none of who are Rodrgiuez. In the making of documentary you can see though that he always had an acoustic guitar with him throughout the whole shoot. I also saw the Once Upon a Time in Mexico dvd spec feat on his home studio which is sweet, and he is a pretty good player as well.

[fernandito]

Yes he can, he's pretty fucking talented. He can direct, edit, produce, and score a film! He's also a kickass cook! :lol:

[sarah]

Quentin Tarantino & Robert Rodriguez for the raw power that their movies emit (mainly Reservoir Dogs and Desperado, respectively). . Martin Scorsese for his ability to recreate real life events into enjoyable and unforgetable films. Tim Burton for dazzling us with just about every movie he makes. The list goes on and on...

oh yes, exactly. I feel the same way. I edited out Kubrick because I personally haven't liked any movie he's done with the exception of The Shining.


You left out James Cameron? T2? :(

Oh yeah, and that whole Stanley Kubrick thing will definitely have to be addressed once we meet face to face ;)



oh snap! How could I forget that? :doh:


also, I'm feelin the love of your Eazy-E av/sig combo. Everytime I see it I start singing

This is a stick-up, everybody get face-down
Ren, gag their mouths so they can't make a sound
Tie em up for the fact that I'm kickin ass
I got my hand on my gat, and I'm tempted to blast
My name is Eazy, but I go the hard way out

[fernandito]

:wub:

Is there no limit to your awesomeness?

[sarah]

:wub: back at 'cha

[Ruthful]

I have to agree with FP about Robert Rodriguez.

The cooking segment he did for the extras in the DVD of the last part of the Mariachi trilogy was pretty awesome.

[Lance]

I'll watch anything that has Tarantino's name on it. Although I was a little disappointed with Death Proof.

[fernandito]

A little? That shit bored me to tears.

[Lance]

A little? That shit bored me to tears.

Yeah, it sucked balls until the last half hour or so. I did love the scene where Zoe was on the hood. And when the girls beat the shit out of Stuntman Mike. :lol:

[Mattrick]

A little? That shit bored me to tears.

Death Proof was balls. First half was alright and when Stuntman Mike started playing dirty I knew all the building was leading to something. Just when there starts to be a plot...there isn't.

Really, I think Robert Rodriquez had an idea with Planet Terror and Tarantino is like 'man, please, I'm stoked for ideas and it's not good but coupled with yours we'll both make more money.'


Can't believe I left out Sam Raimi and David Fincher. Sam Raimi's real telents are there as shown with movies such as For Love of the Game and A Simple Plan but is more known for his Evil Dead and Spiderman movies, which is sad. A Simple Plan was simply amazing. Sad that shitty band had to soil the name.

[Still Servant]

I'm not sure if anybody heard, but director Anthony Minghella died.

He directed one of my favorite films, The Talented Mr. Ripley.

He also directed Cold Mountain and the English Patient.

A young director taken way before his time.

[Mattrick]

Cold Mountain was good, Ripley was alright and I LOATHED The English Patient but RIP

[LadyHitchhiker]

James Cameron
Steven Speilburg
George Romero
Kevin Smith
Leonard Nimoy

because they rock...

[Lance]

I also love David Lynch's movies.

[Brice]

Yes, David Lynch is fuckin' great. :D


A few more I usually like movies by:

Lucio Fulci
Mario Bava
Dario Argento

[cozener]

The Cohen brothers....of course.

[ZoNeSeeK]

Jim Cameron, not only does he produce brilliant action movies but the groups of writers and actors he attracts are also legendary.

Cohen brothers - just imagine what they'll be producing when they're scorcese's age :)

[Ruthful]

Coen Brothers.

No "h."

[ZoNeSeeK]

:)

[Seymour_Glass]

Wes Anderson is my favorite director. He's amazing. Everything about his films I love. Watch 'em. He did Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and The Darjeeling Limited.

Richard Kelly. Donnie Darko made me realize what I what to do with my life.

The Coens.

Kevin Smith. Quentin Tarantino.

[Ruthful]

I also love David Lynch's movies.

I tend to agree, although "love" is a strong term.

I watched "Eraserhead" for the first time a few weeks ago.

WTF??!!

I mean, even for David Lynch that crap was weird.

><

[Arthur Heath]

Ridley Scott. 1 word - BLADERUNNER

[turtlex]

For style alone, I'm going to toss out Kathryn Bigelow.

"Near Dark" is one of my all time favorite vampire movies, and it's all about her direction. "Point Break", cheesy as all get out, but stylistically, it's great to watch. I wish she worked more. I also really enjoyed the look and feel of "Strange Days".

Oh, yea, she was married to James Cameron before he left her for Linda Hamilton. The mention of Cameron above reminded me of Bigelow.

Personally, I think Cameron is a bit over-rated. For one thing, I thought "Titanic" was an overlong suckfest of self absorption.

Someone mentioned Luc Besson and he directed one of the coolest films I ever lucked upon - The Big Blue. It was great.

[jayson]

"Near Dark" is one of my all time favorite vampire movies, and it's all about her direction.

good call Turtlex. I also love "Near Dark"

[NeverAgain]

Akira Kurasawa - If it weren't for his movies then...we'd have some shitty movies now.

Paul Thomas Anderson - An example of learning through experience rather than learning through education.

Stanley Kubrick - Expert at showing emotions in physical form.

[turtlex]

Oh, PT Anderson!
Good call. Boogie Nights and Magnolia. Rocking Awesome.

[susie]

1. coen brothers! they're impressive.

2. akira kurosawa. his movies mesmerize me.

3. julie taymor. she directed frida, titus, and across the universe, and she uses incredible masks and puppetry in her films. visually stunning.

[NeverAgain]

3. julie taymor. she directed frida, titus, and across the universe, and she uses incredible masks and puppetry in her films. visually stunning.

I've seen bits and pieces of Frida. I haven't seen the others. I'll probably pick a couple of these this weekend Thanks for the mention!

[turtlex]

Speaking of "Across The Universe" - I just got it on Blu-Ray. I plan on watching it this weekend.

[susie]

neveragain: i hope you see frida! it's my favorite of her films. i love the scene where chavela vargas as "death" sings to frida, because she was frida kahlo's lover in real life.

YouTube - Chavela Vargas - La Llorona (Clip)

[boq]

Ridley Scott and Terry Gilliam. There'll be others I've not connected to their movies. I quite enjoyed Shyamalan's stuff... something about "Signs" really struck a chord after a couple of viewings, though I know it's not a lot of people's favourite.

[jemaher]

billy wilder,ridley scott, hitchcock,mel brooks, stanley donan, and i would have added frank darbonnet but im still undecided on the mist....

[devo133]

Stanley Kubrick: Dr. Strangelove, Full Metal Jacket, A Clockwork Orange, 2001. I don't know of another director with as many monumental films to his/her credit.

[turtlex]

Stanley Kubrick: Dr. Strangelove, Full Metal Jacket, A Clockwork Orange, 2001. I don't know of another director with as many monumental films to his/her credit.

Speilberg.

[Seymour_Glass]

Sam Raimi. Wes Anderson (again). Christopher Nolan. David Fincher. Love.

[fernandito]

Christoper Nolan and The Coen Brothers (a*k*a the director with two heads) have quickly sky rocketed to the top of my favorite director(s) list.

[John_and_Yoko]

Stanley Kubrick: Dr. Strangelove, Full Metal Jacket, A Clockwork Orange, 2001. I don't know of another director with as many monumental films to his/her credit.

Speilberg.

:lol: They worked on a movie together--A. I.



But yeah, love Kubrick--I don't know if there's any other director whose films I watch that religiously BECAUSE of who directed them....

[Seymour_Glass]

He's only recently directed anything, but Charlie Kaufman is one of the people who makes me see all of his movies.

[Still Servant]

I'm not sure if anybody has said his name yet, but I always enjoy his movies.

David Fincher.

I think he's one of the more underrated filmmakers working today.

He's made some really good films like Fight Club, Se7en, Panic Room and Zodiac. He also made Alien 3, but I won't hold that against him.

He also directed one of my favorite films of all time, The Game. Nobody ever talks about this film, but I think it deserves a lot more attention than it gets. Michael Douglas and Sean Penn.

If you haven't seen this film yet, look it up.

[The Lady of Shadows]

wow. the game. i haven't thought of that movie in years. that one was freaky - i don't know why it got to me on the level that it did but man did it get to me.

hmmmmm - :: looks through movies in all four bookcases ::
only have it on vhs (if that gives you any indication of how long it's been). have to go rent it.

:cool:

[Unfound One]

Hmmm...

Has anybody said Alfonso Cuarón?
Children of Men and Y tu mamá también are both grrrrrreat.

[jayson]

Y Tu Mama Tambien was good, but I thought Children of Men was one of the singular worst movies I've ever seen. Other than Michael Caine's performance, I hated everything else about that entire film.

[Seymour_Glass]

I really liked Children of Men. It had great cinematography.

[Empath of the White]

Tim Burton

When I was in kindergarten, my dad took me to see The Nightmare Before Christmas, which had just come out, and I loved it. From there I saw Beetlejuice then his Pee Wee movie, liked both of them. Saw Batman. It was okay. Saw Batman Returns and loved it (I was in first grade at this point, WB and Soccer Moms that claim this movie is too dark and awful take note). Hell, I even liked Big Fish. Planet of the Apes is the only place where I feel Burton fumbled the ball.

Aside from getting an introduction to his movies so early in my life, I think its his visual style that I really like. The best example I can think of would be Edward Scissorhands. Specifically, the darker colors of the Inventor's Castle, which contrasts sharply to the sugary brightness of the little suburb at its base.

I love...


*puts on flame suit*

Paul Anderson.

Why? Yeah, he bastardized Resident Evil, but he's still doing movies. Nothing, not even a legion of a franchise's best troops (fanboys) can stop him. He lets nothing compromise his vision. Not even logic. Just watch the end of Resident Evil: Extinction.

[fernandito]

Paul Anderson is great, even if he did butcher (and then some) the Resident Evil movies.

He gave us Event Horizon and Mortal Kombat, two of my favorite movies.

[Seymour_Glass]

I'm not sure if anybody has said his name yet, but I always enjoy his movies.

David Fincher.

I think he's one of the more underrated filmmakers working today.

He's made some really good films like Fight Club, Se7en, Panic Room and Zodiac. He also made Alien 3, but I won't hold that against him.

He also directed one of my favorite films of all time, The Game. Nobody ever talks about this film, but I think it deserves a lot more attention than it gets. Michael Douglas and Sean Penn.

If you haven't seen this film yet, look it up.

Yeah, man. I had seen and loved Fight Club, but I really realized he was a director to watch when I saw Zodiac.I have yet to see anything else of his.

Also, I heard he didn't really have a script while shooting Alien 3.

[Odetta]

I absolutely LOVED The Game as well, Servant... quite an underrated movie in my opinion

[Jean]

I didn't even know it was underestimated! I think it was very interesting, a real movie - which, you know, bears can very seldom say of American movies in last three or four decades. Also, it is well known and well loved in Russia.

[jayson]

Some Fincher I like, Fight Club, Se7ev, The Game... Some Fincher I didn't care for like Panic Room. I do think he's done more good films than bad and I am usually willing to go see his work.

[Ruthful]

Christopher Nolan, Jafar Panahi, Judd Apatow, Nicolas Winding Refn

[Roland number 19]

Quentin Tarentino.

Two words:
Reservoir Bunnies.

Erm.. I mean, Dogs. :D

[Odetta]

I didn't even know it was underestimated! I think it was very interesting, a real movie - which, you know, bears can very seldom say of American movies in last three or four decades. Also, it is well known and well loved in Russia.

I dunno, it seems to me that I haven't heard many talk about it, but I truly loved the film

[Sam]

I didn't bother reading all four pages... I'm lazy that way.

My fave director still is Akira Kurosawa. He made such films as Ran, Seven Samurai, High and Low, Rashomon, and Yojimbo. Any one of those films would be considered a masterpiece in most current directors works and yet these are just a few of the works Kurosawa created. Not every film he made was a masterpiece of film, but his worst was far greater than many a director's best. Kurosawa created ART on celluloid not movies. He put human emotion, raw power, and great sorrow into his work. To view one of his films is to invest yourself not just to sit and watch a few flicking pictures. I cannot honestly think of a director living today to compare him to. If you are not familiar with the work of Akira Kurosawa, you are not a fan of film. He inspired most of the works we think of as great film. Star Wars, The Man With No Name, The Magnificent Seven, Wolves of the Calla (It's DAMN true), and on and on.

[pathoftheturtle]

:orely:How can I follow that? :idea: David Lean.

:unsure:Woody Allen, at times. Mostly, it is his writing that I admire.
I’m really more of a biliophile than film buff; all about story, and theme.

John Ford, Orson Welles, and Charlie Chaplin.

Terry Gilliam is generally good. Time Bandits, TAOB Munchausen, The Fisher King

Robert Altman was definitely a fav director of mine.


... Martin Scorsese for his ability to recreate real life events into enjoyable and unforgetable films. ...Yar. He’s the best. There are scads of terrific docu-dramas out there, from this great director and that one who had an exciting subject, but no one scores consistently with them the way that Scorsese does.
Oliver Stone has some of that ability, though never with the same acumen.
Also wanna mention Ron Howard, if only for A Beautiful Mind.

Sydney Pollack did some good work, and I like Barry Levinson.
Rob Reiner
Robert Zemeckis
Bob Fosse
Blake Edwards
Mike Nichols
Arthur Penn, without question.

…Not to dis Fincher, though. Fight Club is a subversive classic! :thumbsup: We’re not likely to see another film like that anytime soon.

I’m wild about the Coen brothers.:drool:

Christopher Nolan is one to watch.


Paul Anderson is great, even if he did butcher (and then some) the Resident Evil movies.

He gave us Event Horizon and Mortal Kombat, two of my favorite movies.Menh. I didn't enjoy any of that.
Here’s what I don’t get, though: Punch-Drunk Love. Director I don’t much like works with star I don’t much like, resulting in movie I quite adore.:beat:

[jayson]

:
Terry Gilliam is generally good. Time Bandits, TAOB Munchausen, The Fisher King

Don't forget the one in your member title. Twelve Monkeys was excellent :)
He also directed my favorite film of all time, Brazil.
Looking forward to 2009 and the release of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus starring Tom Waits and Heath Ledger (in his final performance).

[pathoftheturtle]

Sure. I just wanted to highlight that "trilogy" because I had noticed that Brazil was the only one that'd been mentioned on this thread.

That reminds me, I wanted to respond to an older comment:
...I love From Dusk Till Dawn but I almost wish it didn't turn into a vampire movie halfway through. You have a whole plotline going with no mention or foreshadowing of vampires. You could seriously tell someone the movie is about two outlaws getting into mexico to out run authorities and they would be shocked when Salma Hayek transforms. ...... I think that was the point. Weird QT thing. I liked it, though, in a way.:onfire:
:lol:

[Empath of the White]

I gotta add Guilermo del Toro and Peter Jackson as well.

Now on another forum I visit, anytime there's word of some "epic" movie, like a Halo adaption, The Legend of Drizzt, or anything like that, people start calling for Jackson. PJ is a good director, but the thing is, he is a really big fan of LOTR, that is why the movies are so enjoyable for the most part. There are some fans that are miffed about changes but its understandable. That is why I like PJ: he's a fanboy who didn't let things like runtime or studio imput dilute his vision

I like Del Toro because the man has a great eye for visuals, be it creatures or environments. His stuff has really inspired my fantasy writings, and his storylines aren't too bad either. Hellboy II was pretty good, and Pan's Labyrinth was great.

[jayson]

fan of LOTR, that is why the movies are so enjoyable for the most part. There are some fans that are miffed about changes but its understandable. That is why I like PJ: he's a fanboy who didn't let things like runtime or studio imput dilute his vision

He didn't seem to let little things like Tolkien's source material get in his way either.

[Melike]

Kim Ki-Duk is my favorite. I love all of his films. So deep, natural, stunning.
Besides, I like Chan-Wook Park, Pedro Almodóvar, Emir Kusturica, Lars Von Trier, Coen Brothers, Jeunet & Caro, Darren Aronofsky, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Guillermo del Toro, Takeshi Kitano.

[Seymour_Glass]

Who directed Debbie Does Dallas?:lol::wtf:

[The Cosmic Geek]

Tim Burton and Steven Spielberg.

[Brice]

Who directed Debbie Does Dallas?:lol::wtf:


Tim Burton and Steven Spielberg.

No, I'm quite sure it wasn't them.

[fernandito]

I think he was just stating who his favorite directors are :lol:

[Seymour_Glass]

That warranted a new signature.

[Brice]

I think he was just stating who his favorite directors are :lol:

I know he was, but I couldn't resist. :cyclops:


That warranted a new signature.


Thank you sir! :D

[The Cosmic Geek]

:wtf: That was the best laugh I had all day, thank you!

Seriously though I love Burton and Spielberg. They represent sort of a Yin and Yang of my personality.

Del Toro is great too, loved Hellboy and I cannot wait to see what he does with The Hobbit.

[Brice]

Glad I could help. *bows*


Burton and Spielberg are both great though.

[The Cosmic Geek]

I really like Steven Chow, well, at least from what I have seen with Kung Fu Hustle and Shoalin Soccer, both were great.

And Edgar Wright. Love his stuff, Shaun of the Dead turned me onto his directing, Hot Fuzz made me want more, and when I saw Spaced, I was hooked.

[Seymour_Glass]

Danny Boyle. He just does whatever the fuck he wants, and does it well. Trainspotting is an amazing film, one of the best directed I've ever seen. Slumdog was, too.

[Heather19]

I love Danny Boyle. He'd rank up near the top for me as well. 28 Days Later, Trainspotting, and we can't forget Shallow Grave. Great first feature film for a director.

[Seymour_Glass]

I haven't seen Shallow Grave yet. It's on my Netflix queue.

Now I need to contact him to get him to direct an adaptation of Doom Patrol.

[Munchausen]

Terry Gilliam
Kevin Smith
Sir Ridley Scott
(Early) James Cameron
John Carpenter
The Coens
John Landis
Martin Scorsese
Tim Burton
Mel Brooks
Akira Kurosawa
Quinten Tarantino
Michael Mann
William Friedkin
Guy Ritchie
Francis Ford Coppola
David Lean
Kenneth Branaugh

Hmph...this is turning into a bloody phonebook. I guarentee that there are others but head and shoulders, Terry and Ridley have always entranced me.

[Heather19]

I haven't seen Shallow Grave yet. It's on my Netflix queue.

Now I need to contact him to get him to direct an adaptation of Doom Patrol.

Let me know what you think of it. It's a great film.

[Seymour_Glass]

Francis Ford Coppola is really hit (The Godfather, 1 and 2, Apocalypse Now) or miss (The Outsiders). I want to see Tetro, though.

I never got Jim Cameron's appeal. The first two Terminators were good, as was Aliens, but there's better stuff out there. And all the fuss about Titanic....

[jayson]

I never got Jim Cameron's appeal. The first two Terminators were good, as was Aliens, but there's better stuff out there. And all the fuss about Titanic....

But Aquaman was good... oh wait, that was only on Entourage. :P

I don't really get the James Cameron thing either.

However, take back what you said about The Outsiders!!!

[ola]

Maybe my eyes are fuzzy right now, and I didn't see him mentioned...but...David Lynch!! :thumbsup:

Stanley Kubrick is another one who was consistently good. I'm sure he's on here already. He had a knack for great book adaptations, which is unique.

It's tough to pick directors because most good ones make too many movies, and thus a few too many "eh" ones in between the amazing ones. It's so much easier to pick out individual favorite films. It's almost like some directors can only do one or two, ever, and then that's it.

[Mattrick]

Steven Spielberg
David Cronenberg
Cameron Crowe
James Cameron
David Fincher
Clint Eastwood
Ridley Scott
Wes Anderson
Danny Boyle
Darren Aronofsky


More but can't remember currently.

[ola]

Christoper Nolan and The Coen Brothers (a*k*a the director with two heads) have quickly sky rocketed to the top of my favorite director(s) list.

I have high hopes for Christopher Nolan! And a few Coen movies are definitely among my favorites (Big Lebowski, No Country For Old Men).

[ola]

Oh wow, and I can 't believe I forgot Chris Cunningham. If he ever does a whole movie (and not just a music video) I think I'll explode.

[Mattrick]

I forgot Paul Thomas Anderson

[Seymour_Glass]

However, take back what you said about The Outsiders!!!
The Outsiders was a mishmash of uninspired direction and painful nonacting from people who would become good actors. When I saw it, I couldn't believe it was the same guy who did the freaking Godfather.

[Seymour_Glass]

I forgot Paul Thomas Anderson

I'm getting Magnolia in from Netflix tomorrow. I haven't seen any PT Anderson yet, so I'm excited.

[fernandito]

PTA has become one of my new favorites after Punch Drunk Love and There Will Be Blood. I need to watch more of his movies.

[Heather19]

I agree with the Paul Thomas Anderson love.
And David Lynch, did I actually forget to add him to my list!


Edit - Phew, I just re-read thru the whole thread, and Lynch had been mentioned numerous times. I feel so much better now.

But I'm just going to mention Hitchcock again. I can't believe no one has really talked about him in here yet.
And Orson Welles. Another amazing director, easily one of the best ever (in my opinion).

And I'm also going to add Guy Ritchie to my list. But that should be a given for anyone that knows me.

[ola]

Edit - Phew, I just re-read thru the whole thread, and Lynch had been mentioned numerous times. I feel so much better now.

Whoops, I guess he was. This is what happens when one stares at computer screens a good 10 hours a day. :/

Haven't thought about Hitchcock in a while - now there's another director that demands some re-watching! My parents introduced me to a lot of his movies when I was a kid and they definitely stuck.

[Brice]

I agree with the Paul Thomas Anderson love.
And David Lynch, did I actually forget to add him to my list!


Edit - Phew, I just re-read thru the whole thread, and Lynch had been mentioned numerous times. I feel so much better now.

But I'm just going to mention Hitchcock again. I can't believe no one has really talked about him in here yet.
And Orson Welles. Another amazing director, easily one of the best ever (in my opinion).

And I'm also going to add Guy Ritchie to my list. But that should be a given for anyone that knows me.

To me Hitchcock is so good as to be obvious. I honestly didn't think to mention him, but love even his lesser known films. He was truly brilliant.

[Seymour_Glass]

I just watched Magnolia. Jesus Christ. Fucking masterpiece. I loved every minute of it, despite my increasing urge to pee. Still, I couldn't bear to hit the pause button. I loved every minute of that.Even..... no, especially(actual spoiler)the frogs.

[ola]

I loved every minute of it, despite my increasing urge to pee.

Haha, was that because of how vivid that excruciating quiz show scene was?

I hope you like Punch Drunk Love too. I was pleasantly surprised by Adam Sandler, and Emily Watson is great in it too.

[Seymour_Glass]

No, but that seen spoke to me. When I was a little kid I always had to pee.

Punch Drunk Love tomorrow. I not surprised at all the good press Sandler got. I liked him in Reign Over Me. But those goddamned stupid ones make all the money.....

[Brice]

I long for the day when Keanu decides to turn to directing. I am sure he'll bring the same level of emotion and expression as he's brought to his acting career.

[jayson]

I long for the day when Keanu decides to turn to directing. I am sure he'll bring the same level of emotion and expression as he's brought to his acting career.

Ok, seriously Brice, it is way too early in the morning to be laughing as hard as I just did at that. :D

[Brice]

No it's not. :rofl:


I was thinking of you when I posted that. :D

[fernandito]

It's never too early in the morning to make a joke at Keanu Reeves' expense! :lol:

[jayson]

Yeah, I pretty much assume at this stage that all Keanu jokes are for my benefit. :)

It's just difficult to laugh that hard before the caffeine kicks in. I almost fell out of my chair.

[pathoftheturtle]

...I not surprised at all the good press Sandler got. I liked him in Reign Over Me. But those goddamned stupid ones make all the money.....Well said. :clap:

[flaggwalkstheline]

My favotie directors are Kubrick amd Dreyer
Kubrick just knew how to get into the viewers head in a way I've never seen in a movie directed by anyone else, he's like a visual hypnotist
And dreyer, well dreyer did more with silent films and early black n white sound films than most directors do now with all their high tech cgi gadgets combined

[ICry4Oy]

Idi Amin is and will always be my favorite dictator.



Whut? :blush:

[Brice]

:rofl:

[flaggwalkstheline]

Idi Amin is and will always be my favorite dictator.



Whut? :blush:

:clap::nana:

[Seymour_Glass]

Idi Amin is and will always be my favorite dictator.



Whut? :blush:

For the Win!!!! :dance:

[Heather19]

No, but that seen spoke to me. When I was a little kid I always had to pee.

Punch Drunk Love tomorrow. I not surprised at all the good press Sandler got. I liked him in Reign Over Me. But those goddamned stupid ones make all the money.....

Punch Drunk Love is a great film. And while I'm not a fan of Sandler whatsoever, I'll admit that he was really good in that role. He should stick to films like that.

[pathoftheturtle]

My favorite dictator is still Adenoid Hynkel.:P
"When you're making a movie, you need a director to run things. He's the dinh."
--"Eddie Dean"
To me Hitchcock is so good as to be obvious. I honestly didn't think to mention him, but love even his lesser known films. He was truly brilliant.I agree 100%. If we're seriously trying to list all of the great filmmakers, I guess someone had better post Fellini, too.
One of the best reasons for loving the deceased is that you know just what you're getting. Living directors have an annoying way of shaking up our expectations.

[Seymour_Glass]

But dead directors never come out with anything new......


Thank God for Sidney Lument.

[Seymour_Glass]

NOT Fave Directors:

Brett Ratner
Michael Bay

[Heather19]

:lol: yeah, I'd agree with both of those as well.

[Ozymandias]

Zack Snyder, Edgar Wright, James Cameron, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino, Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard. I'm sure there's a few more but that's what I got

[DoctorDodge]

Ok, here's a director that i didn't even know was one of my favourites until recently:

Rob Reiner.

Seriously, anyone who can direct such excellent but very different films like Stand By Me, This is Spinal Tap, The Princess Bride and When Harry Met Sally is nothing short of brilliant! You can see why i didn't realise until now they were all directed by the same bloke, though!

And he directed Misery?!? Now I really do need to see this film!

[turtlex]

Doc - And don't forget A Few Good Men. You can't handle the truth!!

( He kind of went downhill for me after AFGM. )

I did absolutely love AFGM though. Anyone who can get an actual performance out of Demi Moore is okay with me.

Lt. Weinberg: Why do you like them so much?
Galloway: Because they stand upon a wall and say, "Nothing's going to hurt you tonight, not on my watch."

For visuals alone - I like Kathryn Bigelow. Forget all the James Cameron connection crap. Visually she can hold her own : Near Dark is one of my favorite vampire movies. The night surfing scene in Point Break is great visually, and I thought Strange Days was a good sci-fi flick.

[DoctorDodge]

Another favourite director of mine, whose work i've loved for YEARS: Edgar Wright, co-writer and director of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz. LOVE those movies! But then again, who doesn't? :D You gotta love a man who's so good at being able to get everything right about the films he pays tribute to, whether it's the close up action shots on the most ordinary of things like knifes and forks, or the "trumbone effect" of the zoom in/zoom out camera shot when someone's about to fire a rifle at a bunch of rampaging zombies (and fails)!

Also, of course, the director of Spaced, which is one of the greatest tv shows ever! Seriously, what was McG thinking when he tried to remake it?!?

[pathoftheturtle]

Ok, here's a director that i didn't even know was one of my favourites until recently:

Rob Reiner.

Seriously, anyone who can direct such excellent but very different films ... is nothing short of brilliant!:D:thumbsup::rock::D

[Seymour_Glass]

Rob does have a very impressive resume.........
SPINAL TAP!!!:onfire:!!!!

[ola]

Hayao Miyazaki! The art wall reminded me about this one. :)

I can't think of anything he's done that I don't like. Those movies have inspired me a lot over time.

(How can you not love Totoro?)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/0/02/My_Neighbor_Totoro_-_Tonari_no_Totoro_%28Movie_Poster%29.jpg

[Heather19]

Excellent pick Ola, I love Miyazaki's films.

[pathoftheturtle]

Former favorites: Want to talk about M. Night Shyamalan? I don't know why it is that directors who start strong sometimes go right down the tubes. I've seen similar career patterns, before, but never one as steadily pronounced as Shyamalan. Every film he has made has been a little worse than the previous one. ><

[jayson]

Former favorites: Want to talk about M. Night Shyamalan? I don't know why it is that directors who start strong sometimes go right down the tubes. I've seen similar career patterns, before, but never one as steadily pronounced as Shyamalan. Every film he has made has been a little worse than the previous one. ><

personally, i think a lot of it is because the twist ending went out with o henry. i can see where m night, or anyone else, could get away with one, but to make it the focal point of his entire body of work, he quickly establishes himself as a one trick pony and when that trick becomes more and more predictable and the stories around it less and less interesting, what you get, is m night shyamalan.

[pathoftheturtle]

Maybe. It's not just a matter of perception, though. I mean, being desensitized to twists wouldn't necessarily be a deal-breaker, if the stories around them were still interesting, and there was better overall quality to the productions. Of course, that still might be the trouble, indirectly -- a big part of directing is getting everyone on the project to believe in it. It probably is true, anyway, that he should try working in some other styles.

[Seymour_Glass]

Yeah. I think the main reason Unbreakable worked for me was because it didn't really rely on the twist. And then after that........... he kinda killed his career. But hey, who's going to see the Lat Airbender?

(I'm probably not.)

[Melike]

Yeah. I think the main reason Unbreakable worked for me was because it didn't really rely on the twist. And then after that........... he kinda killed his career. But hey, who's going to see the Lat Airbender?

(I'm probably not.)

I will see Last Airbender. I just hope Shayamalan doesn't ruin it with his fingerprints.

'The Happening' is the worst of his career.

[turtlex]

Melike - I don't know, the trailer for Last Airbender looks only okay and honestly, M.Night has always been strongest in the trailer department.

[Melike]

You're right, Pam. But, I just have to see it. Honestly I am not very optimistic about it either. But I love Avatar, and have to see it...

[turtlex]

You're right, Pam. But, I just have to see it. Honestly I am not very optimistic about it either. But I love Avatar, and have to see it...

Though I tend to stay away from the theater with MNS films, I will probably go see it, too... just because I love the genre.

Honestly, I can't stand M.Night's directing. At all. So my expectations will be low.

( fun fact - I've been in the same building where M.Night has his production offices ... it's near Philly )

[Morgandalf]

i love Steven Spielberg because i love schindler's list
i love Nuri Bilge Ceylan because i love üç maymun
i love Tim Burton because i love Tim Burton XD

[Melike]

i love Steven Spielberg because i love schindler's list
i love Nuri Bilge Ceylan because i love üç maymun
i love Tim Burton because i love Tim Burton XD

Hey! Nuri Bilge Ceylan? :excited: Are you from Turkey?

[Morgandalf]

i love Steven Spielberg because i love schindler's list
i love Nuri Bilge Ceylan because i love üç maymun
i love Tim Burton because i love Tim Burton XD

Hey! Nuri Bilge Ceylan? :excited: Are you from Turkey?

evet!(yes XD)

[Melike]

i love Steven Spielberg because i love schindler's list
i love Nuri Bilge Ceylan because i love üç maymun
i love Tim Burton because i love Tim Burton XD

Hey! Nuri Bilge Ceylan? :excited: Are you from Turkey?

evet!(yes XD)

:rose: Awesome. Welcome to Palaver. You'll enjoy the site. :)

[Morgandalf]

thanks everyone!

[pathoftheturtle]

i love Steven Spielberg because i love schindler's listIt's tempting to dismiss Spielberg because of the commercial nature of much of his work, but it is hard to deny that some real artistry is there. Occasionally.

[Ruthful]

http://newsreel.org/articles/OusmaneSembene.htm

[Seymour_Glass]

Let it be noted that Scorsese is now my fucking hero. As if you guys couldn't tell...

[Armand St Pierre]

Former favorites: Want to talk about M. Night Shyamalan? I don't know why it is that directors who start strong sometimes go right down the tubes. I've seen similar career patterns, before, but never one as steadily pronounced as Shyamalan. Every film he has made has been a little worse than the previous one. ><

personally, i think a lot of it is because the twist ending went out with o henry. i can see where m night, or anyone else, could get away with one, but to make it the focal point of his entire body of work, he quickly establishes himself as a one trick pony and when that trick becomes more and more predictable and the stories around it less and less interesting, what you get, is m night shyamalan.

Hitchcock did the same thing without all the fanboy scrutiny. Personally I've really liked everything Night has done. He has a taste for setting intimacy that most other directors can only drool over. My biggest admiration of Night is his ability to deliver quality based on story alone. I think his rise has less to do with an audience formula than it has to do with a PRODUCER formula. Actor salaries aside, his films can deliver on a skeleton budget....with the possible exception of his newest film The Last Wind Bender (which is a previously existing franchise). LOVED LOVED LOVED Lady in The Water. GRAND Fairy Tale storytelling at it's best.

My pick is Brad Bird. His ability to focus solely on the story is a LOST art......which is why his relationship with Pixar has been so bountiful. I have never seen a Superhero film as rich as The Incredibles. Ratatouille is the PERFECT example of any film delivering on story alone.....and I haven't even mentioned Iron Giant. Perfection in animation that works on every desirable level imaginable.

[jayson]

My pick is Brad Bird. His ability to focus solely on the story is a LOST art......which is why his relationship with Pixar has been so bountiful. I have never seen a Superhero film as rich as The Incredibles. Ratatouille is the PERFECT example of any film delivering on story alone.....and I haven't even mentioned Iron Giant. Perfection in animation that works on every desirable level imaginable.

:clap:

all excellent films. brad is a master of storytelling.

also, it can never be overstated how incredibly influential he was on the way the simpsons is shot. a handful of the early season directors made a huge impact on the way the show looks. the early seasons had such a cinematic look to them and brad's episodes are among the finest.

[Seymour_Glass]

Pixar has been making some really quality stuff.

And, i forget if i mentioned him before and i'm too lazy to look back, but Paul Thomas Anderson. Amazing stuff.

And, I just finished reading the book Making Movies by Sidney Lument, who's been quietly making some classics since Twelve Angry Men. Dog Day Afternoon is amazing.

[fernandito]

A Q&A session with Terry Gilliam :

http://movies.ign.com/articles/103/1034919p1.html

[Seymour_Glass]

Two additions to my list:

Spike Jonze and David O. Russell.

[fernandito]

I've recently begun to watch a lot of David Cronenberg films ... I'm looking him up on IMDB and adding all the movies of his that I have yet to see on my Netflix queue.

[Heather19]

Two additions to my list:

Spike Jonze and David O. Russell.

I love Spike Jonze. Being John Malkovich is one of my favorite films. And that reminds me, I really have to go see Where the Wild Things Are before it leaves theaters.



I've recently begun to watch a lot of David Cronenberg films ... I'm looking him up on IMDB and adding all the movies of his that I have yet to see on my Netflix queue.

Have you seen eXistenZ yet? or A History of Violence?

[fernandito]

I really have to go see Where the Wild Things Are before it leaves theaters.


Yes! Yes you do.



Have you seen eXistenZ yet? or A History of Violence?

These are the Cronenberg films that I have under my belt : A History of Violence, Eastern Promises, The Fly, Scanners, and Videodrome. I do have eXistenZ on my list, but I think Naked Lunch is the next DC film on my queue :)

[Heather19]

Naked Lunch is great. Let me know what you think of it.
How was Videodrome? I just added it to my queue after watching the trailer :)

[fernandito]

Oh man, Videodrome is a mind trip! :lol: I obviously haven't seen eXistenZ yet, but I have read the premise online, and I have to say that if you liked that, then you'll most certainly enjoy Videodrome.

[Melike]

I am so happy that there will be one more person to appreciate it, except Heather(<3); if I change my combo back to my old eXistenZ theme.

[fernandito]

:D

[Seymour_Glass]

PTA

[stone, rose, unfound door]

Ken Loach because his films ring so true.
Tarantino for the reasons mentioned above :)

[pinkymcfatfat]

Terry Gilliam for his ability to film 'impossible' movies. 'Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas' completely impressed me.

[fernandito]

Terry Gilliam for his ability to film 'impossible' movies. 'Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas' completely impressed me.

Have you seen Brazil ? :)

[Brice]

Fear And Loathing was about a billion times better than I would have expected any movie based on that book to be.

[pinkymcfatfat]

I actually loved 'Brazil'...

I knew from the opening credits featuring Steadman's art that 'Fear And Loathing' would be pretty dead on.

[Jean]

I am so happy, I found myself a whole new big world, a whole new big favorite director!

Strange, come to think of it... always considered myself quite a connoisseur of cinema... and never watched anything by Polanski. Such a lot of years wasted! But Lord, what heavenly delight now!

I will not stop until I've seen everything by him, including the court-metrages he did before Knife in the Water.

The cinema - I am not talking of Russian now, which is very specific, - always seemed to me to rest on two big pillars, Hitchcock and Kurosawa... and I think I always felt that something was lacking in this picture. There should have been a triad, not a duo... well, there is now.

[fernandito]

Polanski is a very versatile director, I've never seen anything by him I didn't love. I have yet to see his latest, The Ghost Writer, but I've heard it's excellent as well. Glad you discovered him, Jean.

[Heather19]

I really need to start watching more of his films. I think the only one's I've seen so far are Rosemary's Baby and The Ninth Gate.

[Jean]

not even The Pianist??? it should be available, it's triple-Oscared...

The Tenant, The Pianist, Repulsion. Start with any of these. http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/awake.gif

[Heather19]

I haven't :o but I'll add it right away.

The Tenant is at the top of my list right now, and Repulsion isn't far behind. :)

[fernandito]

I suggest starting with The Pianist Heather, it's one of his most accessible films.

[Brice]

I always go for the LESS accessible myself. :lol: I have yet to see The Pianist myself.

[Jean]

do it! do it now! http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/awake.gif

[frik]

My first Polanski film was Rosemary's Baby....which I loved!
Followed by The Fearless Vampire Killers - totally off the wall, but hugely enjoyable. Still one of the best vampire movies ever.
Those two did the trick - and I've never been disappointed by any of his movies.

sk

[Brice]

Fearless Vampire Killers is awesome! :D

[Jean]

I have four unwatched Polanski movies waiting for me right now!

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/poohbear.gif

[Brice]

Is that one of them? :unsure:

[Jean]

No, it will come later!

::rubs paws in anticipation::

[Brice]

So what are the four then?

[Jean]

Bitter Moon
Cul-de-sac
What?
China Town

[Brice]

Damn there are more Polanski movies that I haven't seen than I realized. :(

[Jean]

isn't that great? like discovering there's more new King to read!

[Brice]

Yes, it is. :D ...except there's no more King for me to read unless he writes more and/or gives me free reign at The Fogler Library.

[turtlex]

Jean! You've never seen Chinatown?!?

Make that your first one!

[Jean]

Jean! You've never seen Chinatown?!?

Make that your first one!

I know, I know! just to think that I've been walking about all proud of myself and telling everybody how much I know about cinema, how well I understand cinema, and what great a connoisseur of cinema I am. Like calling oneself expert in British literature without ever reading a word by Shakespeare...

[turtlex]

Chinatown is a classic. I mean, whether you like all Polanski or not specifically, I think it's hard to argue against that. It's iconic - at least here in the US.

And you should be proud - with all the hundreds and hundreds of directors/filmmakers out there, there is absolutely no way you could have made yourself familiar with all them.

You're working your way through a long list of talented people. I don't know that anyone can ever be completely versed in cinema... there's just so many excellent films.

:grouphug:

PS - who's this Shakespeare guy?!? :lol:

[Jean]

oh, just a guy like Hitchcock or Polanski, only in literature http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/b02.gif

[turtlex]

Oh, really? :orely:

Methinks I might have to look him up ... I mean, I may be mad, north-northwest, but when the wind is southerly, I know a hawk from a handsaw. ;)

Just sayin'. :D

[Jean]

oh, come on, don't waste your time, it's but a tale full of sound and fury

by the way, Polanski's Macbeth is fantastic! it's even better than Kurosawa's Throne of Blood, and quite matches Kurosawa's King Lear (Ran, I mean).

::a very impressed bear::

[turtlex]

:huglove: Jean :huglove:

[Jean]

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/bearmood_inlove.gif

[frik]

Another Polanski everyone should have seen: The Tenant!

http://en.academic.ru/pictures/enwiki/76/Locataire.jpg

Weird, psychological thriller, with a great Shelley Winters....and a very creepy ending..

sk

[fernandito]

The Tenant is one of the few Polanski films I have yet to see. I'll need to correct that immediately. :)

[Brice]

The Tenant is excellent. :)

[frik]

I recently ordered a Polanski film I hadn't seen yet: Oliver.
Although it's a gorgeous looking film and the acting is excellent, it's the most mainstream Polanski ever. He doesn't really put his stamp on it.
If I wouldn't have known, I would never have guessed this was a Polanski movie.

sk

[acdckingfan]

Polanski is one of the greats!

[Heather19]

I watched The Tenant last night. :D
It's such a great psychological thriller. And the images that Polanski creates were insane. He definitely knows how to set up a great shot.

[Jean]

at last! at last!!!!! I've been plotting and scheming last three days how to get you a copy... have already procured an English-language version (mine is French) and installed a file-splitter... was just going to PM you!

I myself have finished re-watching it (third time around) only four or five hours ago.

http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gifhttp://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k291/mishemplushem/Facilitation/0134-bear.gif

[Heather19]

:huglove: Yes, I think it's one that I need to go back and rewatch. I'm still mesmerized by a lot of the scenes. The next one coming will be Repulsion.

[Jean]

did you see Cul-de-Sac? it's astonishing

I've just watched his court-metrages, made before Knife in the Water (I hope you saw that one?), they are wonderful too, especially Two Men and a Wardrobe and Le Gros et le Maigre.

[Heather19]

No, I haven't! The only other one's I've seen our Rosemary's Baby and The Ninth Gate. I might watch Knife in the Water tonight though. I'll let you know first thing I see it. And netflix doesn't have Cul-de-sac :(

[Jean]

I currently don't, either. I will try to find it for you, and then we'll try this file-splitter.

Watch The Pianist!!! it must be available.

[Heather19]

It is! They even have it up on their instant viewing. I'll try to get to it soon :)

[Empath of the White]

For me, its Tim Burton. I have fond memories of watching Pee-Wee's Big Adventure, Beetlejuice and both of his Batman movies back in my younger--pre-K and Kindergarten--years. I think what I enjoy most about his movies are either the characters, especially his take on Penguin and Catwoman. Secondly, the visuals in his movies are usually excellent, such as the Netherworld in Beetlejuice. To date the only Burton movie I absolutely don't care for is his take on Planet of the Apes.

I'm not sure if having seen only 3 movies makes me a fan of a director, but the three Guilermo Del Toro movies I have seen--Hellboy 1, 2, and Pan's Labyrinth--have become some of my favorites. Like Burton, its Del Toro's visual style I really enjoy. The creatures of Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy 2 are some of the most interesting ones I have ever seen.

[Sam]

What I find interesting about this discussion is how there are so many directors that are coinsidered great and yet I have not enjoyed their films. By that I mean I have seen their films and not liked them. I can see them and appreciate how their filming techniques have impacted the film world, and I can agree they are great filmmakers, but so few of them are great storytellers IMHO. For example, this is a list of the 25 most influencial directors of all time according to www.filmsite.org.

1. Alfred Hitchcock
2. D.W. Griffith
3. Orson Welles
4. Jean-Luc Godard
5. John Ford
6. Stanley Kubrick
7. Sergei Eisenstein
8. Charlie Chaplin
9. Federico Fellini
10. Steven Spielberg
11. Martin Scorsese
12. Akira Kurosawa
13. Ingmar Bergman
14. John Cassavetes
15. Billy Wilder
16. Jean Renoir
17. Francis Ford Coppola
18. Howard Hawks
19. Francois Truffaut
20. Buster Keaton
21. Fritz Lang
22. John Huston
23. Woody Allen
24. Luis Bunuel
25. Ernst Lubitsch

Of these 25, I haven't seen the films of nine of them (These names are in italics. This means I haven't seen three or more of their films). Of the remaining 16, I don't enjoy the films of five of them (These are in bold. This means that I've seen three or more films by that director and haven't enjoyed the majority of their work that I've seen). That's almost one third of the directors that I have experienced out of the 25 most influential, according to this website, directors. I don't feel this makes me a poor judge on quality films, and I don't think it makes others poor judges on quality. I just find it interesting how so many find Alfred Hitchcock such a wonderful director, and I've never enjoyed any of his films (and I've TRIED to enjoy them, really I have). The same goes for Kubrick, Scorsese, and Bergman. I wanted to like their films, but I just don't. They are slow, plodding, overblown, heavy handed, and in most cases, in desperate need of editing. BUT, that's just my opinion.

[Heather19]

You don't like any of Hitchcock's films Sam! I think you might be the first person I've met that has said that. What one's have you seen? Maybe I could recommend a few of his less popular ones for you to try.

[Sam]

Hitchcock films I've seen:
Psycho (not as suspenseful as I was hoping, but it could have been because the ending had been spoiled for me)
The Birds (boring)
Vertigo (long and drawn out, did not like)
Spellbound
Notorius
North By Northwest

I HAVE to say that I was wrong, there is ONE Hitchcock film I liked, Rear Window. I had forgotten he directed it.

[Jean]

Of your list - excepting Rear Window which you liked - I personally love only Spellbound, and Hitchcock is one of my five favorite directors of all times.

Try these:

The Lady Vanishes
39 Steps
Trouble with Harry
Strangers on a Train
Rebecca
Lifeboat
Suspicion

[Heather19]

I HAVE to say that I was wrong, there is ONE Hitchcock film I liked, Rear Window. I had forgotten he directed it.

:couple: And that was going to be the first I was going to recommend. I can't imagine anyone not loving that film. What about Rebecca, Strangers on a Train, Lifeboat, or Shadow of a Doubt. I think you might enjoy those.

[Jean]

... and now look at the post right above yours, posted simultaneously...

...ta-da!...

[Brice]

I am useless here. I haven't met a Hitchcock film I didn't love.

[Heather19]

Great minds think alike :D
And I completely agree. Aside from Rear Window, his most popular films aren't my favorites either. I really enjoyed Psycho and The Birds, but he has far better films out there that really showcase him as a director.

[Sam]

I didn't mention Lifeboat but I have seen it as well and just didn't care for it, I don't remember why. As for the others, I always felt I had sampled enough of his work that I didn't want to waster time with the rest. It's kinda like going to a restaurant several times and never liking the food. You haven't tried everything on the menu, but you've had enough that you don't want to try anymore.

[Sam]

I like movies that make you forget you're watching a movie. The story must flow throughout and Hitchcock's often stall somewhere. One of the things I enjoy so much about Kurosawa's work is that it rarely feels like you're watching a movie. The story drives the film rather than it being a film about characters, which is what a lot of Hitchcock's films seem to be. Character is a very important part of the film too, don;t get me wrong, but the story HAS to be paramount for the film to be enjoyable for me.

[turtlex]

I didn't mention Lifeboat but I have seen it as well and just didn't care for it, I don't remember why. As for the others, I always felt I had sampled enough of his work that I didn't want to waster time with the rest. It's kinda like going to a restaurant several times and never liking the food. You haven't tried everything on the menu, but you've had enough that you don't want to try anymore.

Oh! :( I was just going to suggest Lifeboat. ( Heather and Jean :huglove: ) It's one of my favorites!!!!

Dude... can I ask what you didn't like about some of the other Hitchcock films you named? North by Northwest specifically, I think it's brilliant.

And ... You really need to see if you can find some Cassavetes... I strongly suggest A Woman Under The Influence and Gloria. Both star John's wife ( and muse ) Gena Rowlands.

And I'm sorry, like him or not ... Woody Allen's Annie Hall is just amazing. I don't like all of Woody Allen's stuff... but both Manhattan and Annie Hall are wonderful. At least, to me.

Are you sure you haven't seen any Howard Hawks? ... Gentlemen Prefer Blondes ... The Big Sleep ... Bringing Up Baby ... Sergeant York ...

[fernandito]

I think Hitchcock is a brilliant director, but some of his films seem to receive an ungodly amount of praise simply because .... well, it's Hitchcock.

Take for instance - North by Northwest. It's nothing new or unique, an identity crisis movie that plays it safe, very by the numbers, yet it's often viewed as this brilliant piece of film making. Yes, the crop duster scene is amazing, but the rest of the movie is very unremarkable, and don't even get me started on the "ending."

That brings me to my next point - Hitchcock has some of the worst endings I have ever seen. Vertigo , anyone ?!

[alinda]

I feel useless in this thread. But I have enjoyed many Hitchcock films in my lifetime.
I think his way of looking at things was dark & strange.:thumbsup:

[turtlex]

I think Hitchcock is a brilliant director, but some of his films seem to receive an ungodly amount of praise simply because .... well, it's Hitchcock.

Take for instance - North by Northwest. It's nothing new or unique, an identity crisis movie that plays it safe, very by the numbers, yet it's often viewed as this brilliant piece of film making. Yes, the crop duster scene is amazing, but the rest of the movie is very unremarkable, and don't even get me started on the "ending."

That brings me to my next point - Hitchcock has some of the worst endings I have ever seen. Vertigo , anyone ?!

The thing is, Feev... in a lot of places, Hitchcock did these things first - so they were new and unique when he did them.

[Jean]

oh, absolutely

nevertheless, I understand how Hitchcock can disappoint someone for whom it's the story that matters

[Sam]

And for me it really is about the story if I'm going to enjoy the movie. I can and have watched many films just to observe the acting (Leaving Las Vegas anyone?), the cinematography (2001), or some other aspect of the film making process. These days though, I'm more interested in just enjoying a good movie than watching for that great acting job in an otherwise mediocre film.

[Woofer]

Repulsion also stars the always beautiful Catherine Deneuve, so it's a win-win-win.

[Woofer]

Yes.