The Directors Thread.

[Spicoli]

First and foremost I would like to, and probably cannot stress enough, the spirit of this thread.

That is.

To Discuss our favorite directors, their technique, career and history.

NOT

Bash any one of them, argue, or be a Joe Douche. I know this is a tough thing to ask. But as the person posting this thread, I think this can be very informative and fun as long as we don't hate.

What is it you like so much about your favorite director?
Have you learned about a new director that you are considering watching more of their stuff?
What was your favorite directors biggest let down.

All in all I believe that the art of the director really does dictate how much we love a film.

Thank you for your input.

[Abdrewes]

I'll bite.

Michaelangelo Antonioni. My favorite director. I adore everything about his films.

• The palpable atmosphere created by long takes and rapturous cinematography
• The clash between foregrounds and backgrounds
• The loose, perplexing narratives
• The sensuality

The closest thing to a disappointment from him has been Zabriskie Point. It's a visually astonishing film, but at times it can be pretty heavy handed. That said, there are still a few great set pieces that make it a must see.

[MovieFanatic2010]

Originally Posted by Spicoli

First and foremost I would like to, and probably cannot stress enough, the spirit of this thread.

That is.

To Discuss our favorite directors, their technique, career and history.

NOT

Bash any one of them, argue, or be a Joe Douche. I know this is a tough thing to ask. But as the person posting this thread, I think this can be very informative and fun as long as we don't hate.

What is it you like so much about your favorite director?
Have you learned about a new director that you are considering watching more of their stuff?
What was your favorite directors biggest let down.

All in all I believe that the art of the director really does dictate how much we love a film.

Thank you for your input.

But it is ok for you to bash other people's thread....

[Number 6]

John Sturges. Always made the most of his supporting cast.

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by MovieFanatic2010

But it is ok for you to bash other people's thread....

He's not telling people not to bash his thread, just not to bash others opinions.

[Spicoli]

Originally Posted by MovieFanatic2010

But it is ok for you to bash other people's thread....

Yes absolutely now go away. Congratulations on your reading comprehension skills. You couldn't get past the op. you get a gold star.

[Spicoli]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I'll bite.

Michaelangelo Antonioni. My favorite director. I adore everything about his films.

• The palpable atmosphere created by long takes and rapturous cinematography
• The clash between foregrounds and backgrounds
• The loose, perplexing narratives
• The sensuality

The closest thing to a disappointment from him has been Zabriskie Point. It's a visually astonishing film, but at times it can be pretty heavy handed. That said, there are still a few great set pieces that make it a must see.

Thank you. I will now look into his work. I know of Zabriske because I am a Pink Floyd fan.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Spicoli

Thank you. I will now look into his work. I know of Zabriske because I am a Pink Floyd fan.

I think an easy place to start is La Notte or Blow Up. I know many find his films slow but I've never found that to be a problem.

[Petra_Kalbrain]

MICHAEL BAY IS THE BESTEST DIRECTOR TO EVER PUT IMAGE TO FILM!!!

Spicoli... try to not bash that one!

[Foggy]

Originally Posted by Petra_Kalbrain

MICHAEL BAY IS THE BESTEST DIRECTOR TO EVER PUT IMAGE TO FILM!!!

Spicoli... try to not bash that one!

His Pearl Harbor film was very subtle and profound, I really wish he did more films like that, focusing on highly developed 3 dimensional characters and their mistakes while juxtaposing the horror of the attack against it. It's a clever piece of highly provocative and finely crafted filmmaking that really did get over looked.

[Spicoli]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

I think an easy place to start is La Notte or Blow Up. I know many find his films slow but I've never found that to be a problem.

Ok. Probably not similar but I'm like the only one who liked the movie The American (Clooney) So supposed slow moving I can do.

[Spicoli]

Originally Posted by Petra_Kalbrain

MICHAEL BAY IS THE BESTEST DIRECTOR TO EVER PUT IMAGE TO FILM!!!

Spicoli... try to not bash that one!

I actually really like a couple of his movies. I too liked Pearl Harbor and love The Island.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by Spicoli

Ok. Probably not similar but I'm like the only one who liked the movie The American (Clooney) So supposed slow moving I can do.

Oh wow. The American is definitely Antonioniesque. The scenic imagery, the melancholic tone is very similar. Also, they both feature beautiful Italian actresses.

Have you seen Le Samorai? I couldn't imagine anyone that likes The American wouldn't love Le Samorai. BluRay.com member Great Owl lists it as his favorite film of all time.

[Spicoli]

The very first time I noticed a directors technique I was very young and I saw Dressed to KIll (DePalma) with my mother (who to this day gives me crap about why that was rated PG when they showed Angie Dickensons stunt bush).
Anyway I noticed that he was able to keep two parts of a scene in focus while their depth was different. It is called Split Focus Diopter.

Also here

Also known as deep focus Orson Wells used it well in Kane.

Many botch this technique but De Palmas was the first I noticed.
I still need to see Kane.

[vader4]

My favorite director is Stanley Kubrick... I know, unpredictable right?
I really love the films of Stanley Kubrick as he has touched several different genres and covered many different themes that in the case of many such as 2001 are still relevant today. He also combined music very well with impressive shots that no one at that time would've dared to try if he hadn't shown that anything could be done on camera.

Just some comments on others choices

Michelangelo Antonioni is a director I've been meaning to he into lately. I was asked by a friend who my favorite directors were an I recognized that I hadn't seen many from directors that are considered truly great. Is there one you would recommend as a starter?

Michael Bay is actually a director I feel is underrated. I liked the first Transformers movie and I think pain and gain actually looks pretty funny. I'm not particularly a fan of what he seems to be doing with that Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie, but you never know.

[Abdrewes]

^^^
I'd say start with L'Avventura even if I like Red Desert a bit more.

[vader4]

Originally Posted by Abdrewes

^^^
I'd say start with L'Avventura even if I like Red Desert a bit more.

Perfect, it's on Hulu! Thanks for the recommendation.

[Abdrewes]

Originally Posted by vader4

Perfect, it's on Hulu! Thanks for the recommendation.

Regardless if you like it or not, it's pretty easy to note its impact on everything that came after. If nothing else, you will appreciate the astounding artisty in the compositions (the island section is one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen).

There's been tons written about it, so whatever I say is superfluous

[legendarymatt92]

Originally Posted by vader4

Michael Bay is actually a director I feel is underrated.

He's definitely under-appreciated in the technical department; he has an amazing eye for framing and his films are mostly impeccably shot. Unfortunately, he knows nothing beyond creating awesome visuals, and that is why most of his projects suffer.


Alan Parker is one of my favourite directors of all time. To go from doing something as strange as Bugsy Malone to something as hard-hitting as Midnight Express takes real experience and skill. Angel Heart is one of my favourite films of all time, crafted with an incredibly intense atmosphere not often seen in many horror films.

[Abdrewes]

^^^
You mean Alan Parker?