Greatest among living directors - Blu-ray Forum

Mahatma · 11-29-2011, 08:47 PM

Came just from a concert featuring Buena Vista social club,and came to think how great the movie is,and the wonderous work of Wim Wenders.So thought of asking you here on this forum who you consider the greater (greatest) living director(s).Have a few favourites myself,but think Wim Wenders is one of the absolute best among todays directors.

My favourites:

Wim Wenders
Alexander Payne
Aki Kaurismaki-just an incredible resume,just a shame they're not available in BD

I guess alot would list Darren Aaronofski,but find him strangely un-even.Love The wrestler,and Requiem for a dream is good,but Black swan was very uneven and somewhat superficial.But have no doubt he will deliver stronger movies in the future.Your thoughts?If enough answers,I'll compile the answers to a list...

PS:Think I posted this under wrong category

Can a moderator save me from myself,and move it?

pro-bassoonist · 11-29-2011, 09:02 PM

These are the best in my opinion:

1. Béla Tarr
2. Aleksandr Sokurov
3. Terrence Malick
4. Theo Angelopoulos
5. Michael Haneke

Pro-B

Caesar Will Rise · 11-29-2011, 09:08 PM

Steven Spielberg
J.J. Abrams (can't wait to see what this guy does in the future. Bring on Star Trek 2!)

Popular directors yes, but they are great in my book.

Mahatma · 11-29-2011, 09:09 PM

Will have to check those out.Have only heard of Malik,and I have only seen Thin red line,and wasn't overly impressed by that.But maybe it is one of those tomato tomato things.He is great visually,but I didn't connect with the story nor acting in TRL.I'll try to check out his other movies when I get the chance.

Caesar Will Rise · 11-29-2011, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mahatma

Will have to check those out.Have only heard of Malik,and I have only seen Thin red line,and wasn't overly impressed by that.But maybe it is one of those tomato tomato things.He is great visually,but I didn't connect with the story nor acting in TRL.I'll try to check out his other movies when I get the chance.

Don't feel bad. I remember trying to watch The Thin Red Line and being thoroughly unimpressed. The New World is the only Malick film I've seen all the way through and in theaters. It was amazingly beautiful, but that is the only one that really pulled me in.

Mahatma · 11-29-2011, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aslan1985

Steven Spielberg
J.J. Abrams (can't wait to see what this guy does in the future. Bring on Star Trek 2!)

Popular directors yes, but they are great in my book.

Now that avatar puts me in the spirit

Now,I would say those two choices are streamline,but have to agree that Steven Spielberg ranks high,but IMO he wallows too often in sentimentality.But Jaws was great.Haven't followed JJ Abrams too closely.Liked MI3,but it was-to me-just standard action fare...

Caesar Will Rise · 11-29-2011, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mahatma

Now that avatar puts me in the spirit

Now,I would say those two choices are streamline,but have to agree that Steven Spielberg ranks high,but IMO he wallows too often in sentimentality.But Jaws was great.Haven't followed JJ Abrams too closely.Liked MI3,but it was-to me-just standard action fare...

I love sentimentality. I try to stay on the bright side. Have you seen Abrams' Star Trek or Super 8? Check them out if you're interested one day. He totally reinvigorated Trek for a new generation. I like quite a few of the older films, especially the Next Generation ones because I grew up with those (not the series though), but Abrams brought the house down. The prologue of his Trek is a crash course in how to build characters and suspense in a limited amount of time. The emotional impact of it is astounding. And I like his use of lens flares. They really do add life to shots that would otherwise be flat. The guy is moving up in the world of film. If he keeps going he could be the next Spielberg. And you really like my Christmas avatar?

Aslan knows how to get in the spirit now. He knows where Father Christmas lives.

stlcards · 11-29-2011, 09:31 PM

Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan

Mahatma · 11-29-2011, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stlcards

Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan

Thought about adding Clint Eastwood since he has just improved-like wine-with age,I feel Scorcese has made his best movies in the past,although his catalogue is among the most impressive among the current directors.Tarantino was an up and coming director in the early 90's,but not overly impressed with his work after Pulp fiction.Noaln while impressive technically,is not my cup of tea,and is a yet incomplete director.But that is as always my opinion.Thanks for list

fgomike · 11-29-2011, 10:03 PM

Greatest among the living - David Fincher (been robbed of Best Director twice) I think he's just gettin started. His best work is ahead of him.

Steven Spielberg - Definitely in need of a hit. Hoping he knocks it out of the park with War Horse and Lincoln.

Martin Scorsese - Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, do I need to go on?

Ridley Scott - Long career, has directed some outstanding movies, never fully received the recognition he's deserved.

Clint Eastwood - who would have thought Dirty Harry would have two Oscars for directing?

I agree that JJ Abrams is an up and comer, but he's only directed 3 movies. He hasn't had that big commerical bomb yet. Let him have a stinker and see how he rebounds. I think he'll always be a good to very good director, but not great. I hope I am proven wrong.

I also thought of Peter Jackson. Outside of Lord of the Rings, his work has been average at best. He totally deserved all the accolades he received, I would just like to see him do something totally different and nail it. I was hoping Lovely Bones was a start, but it never worked for me.

Secretagentnumber6 · 11-29-2011, 10:05 PM

Wes Anderson, PT Anderson, Alfonso Cuaron, Pedro Almodavar, David Cronenberg. really there are so many greats outside of these guys. I just tried to list some I had not seen above

fresh's superior · 11-29-2011, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Secretagentnumber6

Wes Anderson, PT Anderson, Alfonso Cuaron, Pedro Almodavar, David Cronenberg. really there are so many greats outside of these guys. I just tried to list some I had not seen above

Great list ^^^
Andrea Arnold
Steve McQueen
Rian Johnson
Michael Haneke

Drew664 · 11-29-2011, 10:39 PM

Just off the top of my head, I like:

JJ Abrams
Spielberg
Christopher Nolan
Clint Eastwood
Peter Jackson

Oddly enough, I don't pay attention to who directs a film, as I focus more on the actual story/film.

Caesar Will Rise · 11-29-2011, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drew664

Just off the top of my head, I like:

JJ Abrams
Spielberg
Christopher Nolan
Clint Eastwood
Peter Jackson

Oddly enough, I don't pay attention to who directs a film, as I focus more on the actual story/film.

Me too, usually. Spielberg has too many movies in my collection for me not to name him though. And Abrams is looking too promising.

In the end though, it's the content of the film that matters to me. Spielberg has more than a few films I don't like. The director may draw me in, but it's the movie itself that will make me stay or leave.

chad_1138 · 11-29-2011, 10:48 PM

Nolan and Fincher

Jimmy Smith · 11-30-2011, 04:56 AM

I would say Chris Nolan easily takes the prize. He knows how to create movies that are not only thrilling and action packed but also thought provoking. In a world where the public seems to accept crap like Jack and Jill Hollywood is lucky to have Chris Nolan

Others would be most of the directors at Pixar. Up and Toy Story 3 were the best movies of the last two years and there directers definutely deserve credit

Snicket · 11-30-2011, 06:40 AM

Chris Nolan
David Fincher
Terrence Malick (Do you know he only uses natural light? CRAZY!!)

I like Peter Jackson but I don't think his body of work is diverse enough to say he is one of the greats. David Yates is also another who falls under this category.

There hasn't really been a recent Spielberg film that I have loved on the same level as his earlier work so...meh. I have a love/hate view of James Cameron as well.

So who is going to be the first one to post Michael Bay and George Lucas?

Wally Q · 11-30-2011, 07:15 AM

Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Terrence Malick are pretty much in the Lifetime Achievement category at this point.

Then Ridley Scott whose films are hit and miss but his direction is always on the money. Peter Weir should try to fill out his resume some, though if he wants to take his time between projects, I totally understand that.

Christopher Nolan
David Fincher
Darren Aronofsky
Guillermo Del Toro
Sam Mendes

Those three men are the new blood in Hollywood Directors and the best the industry has to offer.

Rian Johnson, Peter Jackson, Edgar Wright, and J.J. Abrams are guys who’ve shown their abilities but need to branch out beyond their comfort zones. I’m sure people could scrutinize the fact Del Toro isn’t here but I feel he’s shown his versatility and in some ways is ahead of this pack.

blufellas · 11-30-2011, 07:29 AM

Martin Scorsese

sgsalt · 11-30-2011, 07:51 AM

Chris Nolan?? come on guys be serious here, it's got to be Uwe Boll.

Just kidding!

For me, Michael Mann is the greatest director alive, just everything he does seems to strike a chord with me and he always pushing the limits in terms digital cinematography.

I also love the work of David Fincher, Kim Ji Woon, Bong Joon Ho & QT of course.

11-29-2011, 08:47 PM	#1
Mahatma Blu-ray Samurai Member since:May 2009 Location:A bit off... Home Theater Gallery:5 Blu-ray collection:247 Blu-ray reviews:8	Greatest among living directors Came just from a concert featuring Buena Vista social club,and came to think how great the movie is,and the wonderous work of Wim Wenders.So thought of asking you here on this forum who you consider the greater (greatest) living director(s).Have a few favourites myself,but think Wim Wenders is one of the absolute best among todays directors. My favourites: Wim Wenders Alexander Payne Aki Kaurismaki-just an incredible resume,just a shame they're not available in BD I guess alot would list Darren Aaronofski,but find him strangely un-even.Love The wrestler,and Requiem for a dream is good,but Black swan was very uneven and somewhat superficial.But have no doubt he will deliver stronger movies in the future.Your thoughts?If enough answers,I'll compile the answers to a list... PS:Think I posted this under wrong category Can a moderator save me from myself,and move it? Last edited by Mahatma; 11-29-2011 at 08:50 PM.

11-29-2011, 09:02 PM	#2
pro-bassoonist Blu-ray reviewer Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Location:X Home Theater Gallery:47 4K collection:- Blu-ray collection:- DVD collection:- Blu-ray reviews: 31 Trading Score:23	These are the best in my opinion: 1. Béla Tarr 2. Aleksandr Sokurov 3. Terrence Malick 4. Theo Angelopoulos 5. Michael Haneke Pro-B

11-29-2011, 09:08 PM	#3
Caesar Will Rise Banned Top contributor Member since:Apr 2011 Location:South Carolina Blu-ray collection:191 DVD collection:27 Blu-ray reviews:14 Trading Score:1	Steven Spielberg J.J. Abrams (can't wait to see what this guy does in the future. Bring on Star Trek 2!) Popular directors yes, but they are great in my book.

11-29-2011, 09:09 PM	#4
Mahatma Blu-ray Samurai Member since:May 2009 Location:A bit off... Home Theater Gallery:5 Blu-ray collection:247 Blu-ray reviews:8	Will have to check those out.Have only heard of Malik,and I have only seen Thin red line,and wasn't overly impressed by that.But maybe it is one of those tomato tomato things.He is great visually,but I didn't connect with the story nor acting in TRL.I'll try to check out his other movies when I get the chance.

11-29-2011, 09:31 PM	#8
stlcards Banned Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Land Of Lincoln, USA 4K collection:240 Blu-ray collection:1168 MA collection:972 Digital collection:1589 iTunes collection:926 Prime collection:973 Trading Score:154	Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Clint Eastwood, Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan

11-29-2011, 10:03 PM	#10
fgomike Special Member Member since:Oct 2010 Location:A Galaxy Far, Far Away - Fargo, ND Blu-ray collection:61 DVD collection:46 Digital collection:22 Blu-ray reviews:13	Greatest among the living - David Fincher (been robbed of Best Director twice) I think he's just gettin started. His best work is ahead of him. Steven Spielberg - Definitely in need of a hit. Hoping he knocks it out of the park with War Horse and Lincoln. Martin Scorsese - Goodfellas, Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, do I need to go on? Ridley Scott - Long career, has directed some outstanding movies, never fully received the recognition he's deserved. Clint Eastwood - who would have thought Dirty Harry would have two Oscars for directing? I agree that JJ Abrams is an up and comer, but he's only directed 3 movies. He hasn't had that big commerical bomb yet. Let him have a stinker and see how he rebounds. I think he'll always be a good to very good director, but not great. I hope I am proven wrong. I also thought of Peter Jackson. Outside of Lord of the Rings, his work has been average at best. He totally deserved all the accolades he received, I would just like to see him do something totally different and nail it. I was hoping Lovely Bones was a start, but it never worked for me.

11-29-2011, 10:05 PM	#11
Secretagentnumber6 Blu-ray Guru Member since:Mar 2008 Location:St Louis Area Home Theater Gallery:15 Blu-ray collection:212 Trading Score:4	Wes Anderson, PT Anderson, Alfonso Cuaron, Pedro Almodavar, David Cronenberg. really there are so many greats outside of these guys. I just tried to list some I had not seen above

11-29-2011, 10:39 PM	#13
Drew664 Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Oct 2007 Location:South Dakota Home Theater Gallery:28 Blu-ray collection:68	Just off the top of my head, I like: JJ Abrams Spielberg Christopher Nolan Clint Eastwood Peter Jackson Oddly enough, I don't pay attention to who directs a film, as I focus more on the actual story/film.

11-29-2011, 10:48 PM	#15
chad_1138 Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Sep 2008 Location:USA 4K collection:758 Blu-ray collection:1575 DVD collection:59 MA collection:701 Digital collection:184 iTunes collection:70 Trading Score:239	Nolan and Fincher

11-30-2011, 04:56 AM	#16
Jimmy Smith Blu-ray Samurai Member since:May 2008 Blu-ray collection:17	I would say Chris Nolan easily takes the prize. He knows how to create movies that are not only thrilling and action packed but also thought provoking. In a world where the public seems to accept crap like Jack and Jill Hollywood is lucky to have Chris Nolan Others would be most of the directors at Pixar. Up and Toy Story 3 were the best movies of the last two years and there directers definutely deserve credit

11-30-2011, 06:40 AM	#17
Snicket Blu-ray Knight Member since:Jul 2010 4K collection:622 Blu-ray collection:1160 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:56	Chris Nolan David Fincher Terrence Malick (Do you know he only uses natural light? CRAZY!!) I like Peter Jackson but I don't think his body of work is diverse enough to say he is one of the greats. David Yates is also another who falls under this category. There hasn't really been a recent Spielberg film that I have loved on the same level as his earlier work so...meh. I have a love/hate view of James Cameron as well. So who is going to be the first one to post Michael Bay and George Lucas?

11-30-2011, 07:15 AM	#18
Wally Q Banned Member since:Sep 2011 Location:12771 4K collection:590 Blu-ray collection:2002 DVD collection:150 Digital collection:6 Trading Score:1	Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Terrence Malick are pretty much in the Lifetime Achievement category at this point. Then Ridley Scott whose films are hit and miss but his direction is always on the money. Peter Weir should try to fill out his resume some, though if he wants to take his time between projects, I totally understand that. Christopher Nolan David Fincher Darren Aronofsky Guillermo Del Toro Sam Mendes Those three men are the new blood in Hollywood Directors and the best the industry has to offer. Rian Johnson, Peter Jackson, Edgar Wright, and J.J. Abrams are guys who’ve shown their abilities but need to branch out beyond their comfort zones. I’m sure people could scrutinize the fact Del Toro isn’t here but I feel he’s shown his versatility and in some ways is ahead of this pack.

11-30-2011, 07:29 AM	#19
blufellas Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Jul 2010 Location:W. Palmdale, CA/ Argentina Home Theater Gallery:8 4K collection:312 Blu-ray collection:4092 DVD collection:49	Martin Scorsese

11-30-2011, 07:51 AM	#20
sgsalt Member Member since:Oct 2011 Blu-ray collection:5	Chris Nolan?? come on guys be serious here, it's got to be Uwe Boll. Just kidding! For me, Michael Mann is the greatest director alive, just everything he does seems to strike a chord with me and he always pushing the limits in terms digital cinematography. I also love the work of David Fincher, Kim Ji Woon, Bong Joon Ho & QT of course.

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