The Perfect Director

[EXO]

I feel bad for Myriad trying to get that Starship Troopers thread back, so here's a free for all. Who is and who isn't.

Shoji Kawamori

Ridley Scott

Steven Spielberg

James Cameron

Michael Bay

Tony Scott

Simon West

John DeBont

Ang Lee

John Woo

Sergio Leone

John Houston

Goerge Lucas

Richard Donner

Paul Verhoeven

Mel Gibson

Opi (Ron Howard)

M. Night Shymalan

Quentin Tarantino

Wolfgang Peterson

Peter Jackson

Phillip Noyce

Kevin Smith

Antoine Fuqua

Akira Kurosawa

Tim Burton

Stanley Kubrick

Robert Wise

David Fincher

David Cronenberg

Clint Eastwood

Brian De Palma

Michael Mann

Martin Scorsese

Stanley Kubrick

Francis Ford Coppolla

John Carpenter

Walter Hill

Robert Zemeckis

There... I know there's more I'm sure we'll get to them

Edited June 4, 2004 by >EXO<

[EXO]

Me first!

Ridley Scott rules!

Michael Bay sucks!

[Jolly Rogers]

The problem with your list is they all had their highs and lows. There isn't a single director in your list whose film I'll go and see regardless of review because their past films have been consistent and the new one is likely to meet the expectations.

There are very few directors that meet this criteria, and for me they are both named David:

- Fincher

- Cronenberg

For the record, Michael Bay used to not suck.

[GobotFool]

Sergio Leon, all must bow to him.

[Opus]

Mel Brooks. The man's never made a bad movie.

edit: Except "Dracula: Dead and Loving It"

Edited June 4, 2004 by Opus

[EXO]

There's no problem with the list... it's a list meant to incite the discussion, not grade them in any way. And of course there'll be directors I missed. I'm hoping for people to remind me of those other directors. In fact someone reminded me of the last few directors that I listed.

I got to admit that Michael Bay's movies look good, in fact they look great but they lack so much substance that it can't even compete with the scenery. His movies are over saturated with postcard scenery while the script and acting is so bad.

I've had my problems with Ridley Scott's movies storytelling as well. More towards his earlier films. But even those were told well enough that I believed the story being told. I recently saw the Director's cut of Alien and I was still blown away in how believable the whole set up was. I also causght Black rain a few weeks back and forgot how good of a movie that was too. I only regret that it was obvious what Andy Garcia's role was in that movie, which is the obligatory "they killed my partner" role.

[bsu legato]

Mel Brooks. The man's never made a bad movie.

Dracula: Dead and Loving It?

[Opus]

Mel Brooks. The man's never made a bad movie.

Dracula: Dead and Loving It?

OK, you got me. That one was so bad I had forgotten about it.

[EXO]

Yeah but you gotta forgive the man... he made Young Frankensein and History Of the World: Part 1!

[bsu legato]

OK, you got me. That one was so bad I had forgotten about it.

Boy, I wish I had forgotten it. One of the unfunniest movie experiences I've ever had, and I'll usually find something to snicker at in an Adam Sandler movie.

Anyway, my list is short and not terribly original, but here it goes anyway.

5 - Sergio Leone

The man who not only kickstarted the spaghetti wester genre, but imprinted the name Clint Eastwood on the world's movie going consciousness. Sure Fistfull of Dollars is a remake, but he infused it with a visual flair and panache that's absent from Kurosawa's original. His films only got bigger and better, although I do have to rate Good, Bad & Ugly ahead of Once Upon A Time.

4 - Clint Eastwood

His directing style may not have the flash of today's hyper editing, music video directing crowd, but the man undeniably knows how to tell a story. His only falterings were in the late 80's, but I believe part of that can be attributed to the fact that he just didn't care what audiences thought. He's paid his dues, and as a result he can make whatever damn movie he wants.

3 - Ridley Scott

>EXO< has already said most of what I could say about Mr Scott, so I'll be brief. Blade Runner. End of Discussion.

2 - Akira Kurosawa

If I even need to explain why he's on this list, there's no hope for you. Sign up at RT.com for some "who would win" versus threads, because that's about the limits of your comprehension skills.

1 - Stephen Spielberg

Jaws. Close Encounters. Raiders. ET. And that's just the beginning of his career, over a short span of seven years no less. Most directors would give their left nut for a filmography like that, but that was just the beginning for SS. Even his inferior works like Lost World have their bright spots, like the well executed T-Rex attack on the trailers. The man knows action. The man knows drama. The man knows...well, his last full fledged comedy was 1942, but he does know how to lighten up nearly any scene. But what I admire the most about him is his unbridled passion for film. He would never have to work for the rest of his life ( and most of our lives too) but he keeps making film because he loves movies so damn much. I just wish he'd do a freaking commentary once in a while.

[GobotFool]

4 - Clint Eastwood

His directing style may not have the flash of today's hyper editing, music video directing crowd, but the man undeniably knows how to tell a story. His only falterings were in the late 80's, but I believe part of that can be attributed to the fact that he just didn't care what audiences thought. He's paid his dues, and as a result he can make whatever damn movie he wants.

Indeed, personally I love the mans paceing when it comes to his story telling. Personally I love his camera work, how he lingers on a scene, letting us soak up the image. Unforgiven, Pale Rider, and Jose Wales are 3 of my favorite movies of all time. Oh toss in Mystic River into that lot as well!

Edited June 4, 2004 by GobotFool

[JsARCLIGHT]

I myself would add to BSU's list Brian DePalma, Michael Mann, Martin Scorcese, Stanley Kubrick and Francis Ford Coppola for the body of their works (even though all of them have had their dogs in the past).

I nominate the following two buttmunches to the shoot on sight list of directors Joel Schumacher and Michael Bay. Both deserve swift kicks to the nuts at the least.

[Jolly Rogers]

I got to admit that Michael Bay's movies look good, in fact they look great but they lack so much substance that it can't even compete with the scenery. His movies are over saturated with postcard scenery while the script and acting is so bad.

I've had my problems with Ridley Scott's movies storytelling as well. More towards his earlier films. But even those were told well enough that I believed the story being told. I recently saw the Director's cut of Alien and I was still blown away in how believable the whole set up was. I also causght Black rain a few weeks back and forgot how good of a movie that was too. I only regret that it was obvious what Andy Garcia's role was in that movie, which is the obligatory "they killed my partner" role.

Michael Bay's first 2 movies - Bad Boys and The Rock - were perfect given what he had to work with in terms of budget. After these 2, he got on the A list and I think the blank checks started to spoil him. Since he was not involved in writing the script of his movies, I find it hard to blame bad writing on his account. If I want a good popcorn action flick, I'd still go see his movies, although I have to admit Bad Boys 2 was a rather disappointing follow-up to the original. He should have tracked down Mark Mancina to score the sequel at least, and find a way to get Tea Leoni back. She really made the first movie work, even though her role was very limited.

Ridley Scott is one of those "high-low swingers" I mentioned. I love some of his movies but others just didn't do it for me. He did a great job with Hannibal, only to follow up with the rather boring and emotionally blank Gladiator. I do give him credit for being able to handle different genres with ease, though. Many directors are stuck in one genre and often fail if they try their hands at a different genre, but you can't say that about Ridley Scott.

BTW... who are Goerge Lucas and Stephen Spielberg? Are they porn directors?

[Roy Focker]

I hear that Scott Biao directs.

[EXO]

4 - Clint Eastwood

His directing style may not have the flash of today's hyper editing, music video directing crowd, but the man undeniably knows how to tell a story. His only falterings were in the late 80's, but I believe part of that can be attributed to the fact that he just didn't care what audiences thought. He's paid his dues, and as a result he can make whatever damn movie he wants.

See what I mean... the list isn't perfect... I'm kicking myself right now...

I myself would add to BSU's list Brian DePalma, Michael Mann, Martin Scorcese, Stanley Kubrick and Francis Ford Coppola for the body of their works (even though all of them have had their dogs in the past).

Kick! kick! kick! kick! (hey this is starting to feel good) kick!

I hear that Scott Biao directs.

ki... directs great looking girls to his bedroom maybe...

Edited June 4, 2004 by >EXO<

[GobotFool]

4 - Clint Eastwood

His directing style may not have the flash of today's hyper editing, music video directing crowd, but the man undeniably knows how to tell a story. His only falterings were in the late 80's, but I believe part of that can be attributed to the fact that he just didn't care what audiences thought. He's paid his dues, and as a result he can make whatever damn movie he wants.

See what I mean... the list isn't perfect... I'm kicking myself right now...

I myself would add to BSU's list Brian DePalma, Michael Mann, Martin Scorcese, Stanley Kubrick and Francis Ford Coppola for the body of their works (even though all of them have had their dogs in the past).

Kick! kick! kick! kick! (hey this is starting to feel good) kick!

I hear that Scott Biao directs.

ki... directs great looking girls to his bedroom maybe...

Dammit Exo how could you forget those!

Edited June 4, 2004 by GobotFool

[bsu legato]

De Palma's early works definitely earn him a spot on the list, but he has definitely slipped in the last decade. The last move he's made that I would truly call "great" was Carlito's Way.

Kubrick is another that I'm lukewarm towards. Some of his stuff is brilliant (Spartacus, 2001, the Shining, the first half of Full Metal Jacket) while other stuff was just so-so. I really need to track down some of his early films to form a fully educated opinion. But for what it's worth, that "horrible ending" from AI was based entirely on material he himself wrote before he died.

And am I the only one who's all tingly that Michael Mann has a new flick coming out this summer? It'd better rock.

[GobotFool]

But for what it's worth, that "horrible ending" from AI was based entirely on material he himself wrote before he died.

Yes, I was watching that particular scene and whispering to myself, "This is 2001". For what it's worth the man also gave us Dr. Strangelove.

Edited June 4, 2004 by GobotFool

[EXO]

De Palma's early works definitely earn him a spot on the list, but he has definitely slipped in the last decade. The last move he's made that I would truly call "great" was Carlito's Way.

Kubrick is another that I'm lukewarm towards. Some of his stuff is brilliant (Spartacus, 2001, the Shining, the first half of Full Metal Jacket) while other stuff was just so-so. I really need to track down some of his early films to form a fully educated opinion. But for what it's worth, that "horrible ending" from AI was based entirely on material he himself wrote before he died.

And am I the only one who's all tingly that Michael Mann has a new flick coming out this summer? It'd better rock.

Well like I said the list isn't a hall of fame but just something to get it started. And yes, Brian Palma was one of the greats. I think he got lucky with Carlito's Way because I saw Raising Cain as his decline. DId anyone see the Carlito's Way ripoff Empire with John Leguizamo?

Another one I forgot and has also petered out... John Carpenter...

I'll update the list though, because they're worth the honorable mention...

Maybe Walter Hill should be up there too.

[GreenGuy42]

Ed Wood all the way!

No one, and I mean no one can beat his QUALITY of directing....

Who EVER got it right on the first take, every time? HuH? No one!

[EXO]

Dammit Exo how could you forget those!

I swear, Scott Baio was at the tip of my typing fingers....

[bsu legato]

And now my favorite part of the show....THE HACKS.

Stephen Sommers

Ok, I actually enjoyed the original Mummy. But what else has this man done? Deep Rising, The Mummy Returns, and our turd de jour Van Helsing. I recently compared his movies to having Gary Busey yell in your face for 120 minutes. Sure it's amusing for the first 10 minutes (because he's so damn crazy you don't know what he'll say) but after that it's just aggrivating.

Uwe Bol

About as much fun as bowel cancer. He must be secretly backed by the illuminatti, because I don't know how else he can have gotten his hands on so many video game movie rights. There's going to be a lot of crap made by this man before he's stopped.

Paul Anderson

What can I say. He sucks, and mark my words AVP will suck too. You know it to be true.

[dr_vandermeer]

My list of 5 great directors:

What I truly feel because I've seen their movies...

Stanley Kubrick

Steven Spielberg

James Cameron

David Fincher

Martin Scorcese

...BUT what does my DVD collection have to say though?

John Woo

David Fincher

Yuen Woo-Ping

Quentin Tarantino

Seymour Butts (just kidding!)

It's really strange. I appreciate and love a lot of the directors on the top list for making important, groundbreaking, influential, diverse and amazing cinema, but for some reason, most of the movies I watch over and over on DVD (not counting anime) are flicks made by those on the second list.

Not that that's all I watch, but of those that have a body of work, I watch and enjoy these directors works again and again. So which is the more honest answer?

Edited June 4, 2004 by dr_vandermeer

[dr_vandermeer]

And now my favorite part of the show....THE HACKS.

Stephen Sommers

Ok, I actually enjoyed the original Mummy. But what else has this man done? Deep Rising, The Mummy Returns, and our turd de jour Van Helsing. I recently compared his movies to having Gary Busey yell in your face for 120 minutes. Sure it's amusing for the first 10 minutes (because he's so damn crazy you don't know what he'll say) but after that it's just aggrivating.

Uwe Bol

About as much fun as bowel cancer. He must be secretly backed by the illuminatti, because I don't know how else he can have gotten his hands on so many video game movie rights. There's going to be a lot of crap made by this man before he's stopped.

Paul Anderson

What can I say. He sucks, and mark my words AVP will suck too. You know it to be true.

Uwe Bol? Is he the guy that did House of the Dead? Thank god I never saw that. My brother did though and thought it was worse than the worst movie I think I've ever seen. Which is saying a lot.

Ballistic: Ecks vs. Sever.

Worst movie I have personally seen in a theater.

I hate to say it, because I'm Thai and there aren't too many of us in the biz, but the Thai director of that POS seriously hurt me and my brother. I nominate him for HACK.

CRAP. Pure and simple.

[EXO]

Uwe Bol

About as much fun as bowel cancer. He must be secretly backed by the illuminatti, because I don't know how else he can have gotten his hands on so many video game movie rights. There's going to be a lot of crap made by this man before he's stopped.

Funny, the brothers and I have never heard of such a guy... We'll have him check out, see whther he should live or not...

Anyone ever notice that Paul Anderson relies on the sound to scare you. How loud was Event horizon, especially the big boom when you're suppose to jump. It's like... I wasn't scared but that noise just made me pee in my pants.

Haha... Seymore Butts... that made me crack up so bad.

I still can't believe I forgot Scorsese the first time around.

[Angel's Fury]

James Cameron used to be good when he directed T1 & 2, Titanic?, but when he did T3, that it wasn't as good as the ones I've mentioned.

Mel Gibson is not bad, IMO.

Stanley Kubrick. Movies like Full Metal Jacket, The Shining, simply classic.

[GobotFool]

James Cameron used to be good when he directed T1 & 2, Titanic?, but when he did T3, that it wasn't as good as the ones I've mentioned.

Mel Gibson is not bad, IMO.

Stanley Kubrick. Movies like Full Metal Jacket, The Shining, simply classic.

Cameron didn't do T3

[Angel's Fury]

James Cameron used to be good when he directed T1 & 2, Titanic?, but when he did T3, that it wasn't as good as the ones I've mentioned.

Mel Gibson is not bad, IMO.

Stanley Kubrick. Movies like Full Metal Jacket, The Shining, simply classic.

Cameron didn't do T3

Oops! Sorry! Cross that out. No wonder T3 sucked.

[bsu legato]

Anyone ever notice that Paul Anderson relies on the sound to scare you. How loud was Event horizon, especially the big boom when you're suppose to jump. It's like... I wasn't scared but that noise just made me pee in my pants.

No kidding. Once was fine, but anyting beyond that is just cheap. Like those Shutters Of Doom™ in Event Horizon. Would you seriously live in a place that had those? They're as loud as a 30-06 going off beside your ear.

Real cheap, Mr Anderson. C H E A P.

[JsARCLIGHT]

And am I the only one who's all tingly that Michael Mann has a new flick coming out this summer? It'd better rock.

Nope. I'm on code red pee-pee pants level to see his new one. But I should mention that I'm a die hard Michael Mann fan... From Miami Vice on I always loved his stuff. Most people find him to be heavy handed and melodramatic but since the day I saw HEAT in the theaters (and almost lost my hearing) I have oodles of respect for him. Heck, anyone that can get Val Kilmer to not ruin a movie has talent.

As for DePalma he is much like Scorcese, Coppola and a few others. They did their best work early and middle of their careers and then got corrupted by the "dark side" of hollywood... AKA the truckfull of money.

As for Kubrick, 2001, Sparticus, Dr. Strangelove, Clockwork Orange, The Shining, Full Metal Jacket and Lolita are what he is known for... but his early works like Paths of Glory, The Killing and The Seafarers are decent enough but not quite as developed and interesting as his later works. But to me, Eyes Wide Shut does not exsist... it will never exsist... it is a figment of my imagination...

[EXO]

Nope. I'm on code red pee-pee pants level to see his new one. But I should mention that I'm a die hard Michael Mann fan... From Miami Vice on I always loved his stuff. Most people find him to be heavy handed and melodramatic but since the day I saw HEAT in the theaters (and almost lost my hearing) I have oodles of respect for him. Heck, anyone that can get Val Kilmer to not ruin a movie has talent.

I'm waiting for that one as well. Miami Vice was cool, but that first two seasons of Crime Story was just off the hook. Especially that gunfight in the dept. store during the pilot episode. It was just a pre-cursor of what was to be in Heat.

[bsu legato]

Funny, the brothers and I have never heard of such a guy... We'll have him check out, see whther he should live or not...

LOOK NO FURTHER.

He's also the hack who's bringing us Alone in the Dark, Bloodrayne, and *gulp* Far Cry.

Edited June 4, 2004 by bsu legato

[JsARCLIGHT]

Aahhhh, there you go. You had to go and mention Crime Story!

Damn! That damn song is stuck in my head again! Damn you Michael Mann! Damn you and your talent!!!

[EXO]

My mistake, I thought it was two season in Chicago and one in Las Vegas, but it was one and one. The stories were a lot meaner in Chicago for Crime Story...

[Golden Arms]

Here are a few other directors that should be considered.

1)Chang Cheh probably the greatest martial arts film director

2) Tsui Hark--John Woo but no Tsui Hark

3) Ringo Lam

4) Bryan Singer a upandcomer

5) Katheryn Bigelow-- Point Break, Strange Days

6) Terrence Malik

7) Liu Chia Liang probably the 2nd greatest martial arts film director

Wachowski Bros

9) Hughes Bros

10) Oliver Stone

11) Terry Giliam

12) John Boorman

13) Shiniciro Watanabe

Edited June 4, 2004 by Golden Arms