Many moviegoers find that “critically acclaimed” can be a fancy way of saying “long and boring” when it comes to movies. Seven American directors prove this stereotype wrong, showing that a “good” movie doesn’t have to be dull.
Unique (and a Little Bit Strange) Movies: Tim Burton and the Coen Brothers
Tim Burton is known for having a distinct style; his films tend to have a dark mood, yet they can also warm the heart. In 2006, Burton’s Corpse Bride was nominated for an Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film. The must-see Burton films include Beetle Juice (1988), Batman (1989), and Edward Scissorhands (1990).
While Joel Coen is credited as the director on most of their films, the Coen Brothers have a highly collaborative partnership. Offbeat, off-the-wall dark comedies are their signature type of film, the best of which include 1996’s Fargo, and 1998’s The Big Lebowski. Despite their success with the comedy genre, the Coens’ best film is arguably No Country For Old Men (2007), which won three Oscars.
Classic Dialogue and Movies with Heart: Writer/Director Cameron Crowe
Cameron Crowe is an Academy-Award-Winning screenwriter (for Almost Famous), who also directs the movies he writes. Crowe has created iconic movie moments and quotes, including John Cusak holding the boom-box over his head in 1989’s Say Anything, Cuba Gooding, Jr. shouting “Show me the money!” in Jerry Maguire, and the famous “You had me at hello,” spoken by Tom Cruise in that same film. Crowe’s films have well-developed characters, memorable dialogue, and a lot of heart.
Two True Master Filmmakers: Clint Eastwood and Martin Scorsese
With ten Oscar nominations to his credit, including four wins, Clint Eastwood has been recognized repeatedly for being one of Hollywood’s top directors. Some of Eastwood’s most celebrated films include: Unforgiven (1992), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Mystic River (2003), and Flags of Our Fathers (2006). Eastwood has mastered the drama genre with these compelling films.
Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980), and Goodfellas (1990) are three films proving Martin Scorsese’s talent as a director with grit and the ability to get first-rate performances out of his actors, and that doesn’t even take into account the films he’s made in the last 19 years. Scorsese’s earlier movies earned him a spot among the top directors in America, but his films since 2000 show that he has the right to remain there.
Scorsese’s work with actor Leonardo DiCaprio, beginning in 2002 with Gangs of New York, and continuing with The Aviator (2004) and The Departed (2006), is really what brought many viewers of a new generation to Scorsese’s work. Scorsese and DiCaprio continue to make films together, the upcoming Shutter Island due out in October.
Honorable Mention: Curtis Hanson and Sam Mendes
With visually stunning and well-acted films like American Beauty (1999) and Revolutionary Road (2008) under his belt, Sam Mendes deserves some recognition as a major force to be reckoned with in American film. Likewise, Curtis Hanson’s L.A. Confidential (1998) and Wonderboys (2000) are well worth watching.
With so many films out there to choose from, it can be difficult to know what is worth renting. These directors have proven themselves time and time again, creating some of the contemporary classics of American film.
IMDb. The Internet Movie Database. 2009. 22 Aug. 2009 <www.imdb.com>.
