Favorite Filmmakers

[timwakefield 68]

Jeunet- He just really needs to make more film, plain and simple. He has tons of talent and he directed one of my favorite films of all time in amalie(which if people haven't seen it, go out and rent it ASAP. seriously)

Have you seen A Very Long Engagement? It's fucking good.http://www.fullcontactpoker.com/poker-foru...c=73704&hl=

[brvheart 1,752]

Brazil is Gilliam's master piece.. go see it now. I hated Bros. Grimm, and the fisher king was okay, but not spectacular. 12 monkeys was another one of my eye opening movies. Man, there was a short pierod in the mid to late ninties where there were so many mind blowing films.. I thought hollywood was on it's way to quality, it's a shame...

I agree with you except I like Monkeys quite a bit more than Brazil

As for Gibson.. I haven't seen a man without a face, but I have seen braveheart and the passion.as a matter of fact, I saw braveheart very recently. The action scenes were very well done.. I'm just not a fan of the glorification of the individual hero war films.. I think the overall concept of freedom in the movie completely is at odds with the historical reality of the scots. How were the average peasant scot any more free under scottish rule? It was basically taking a modern notion of freedom, and slapping it onto that movie ( which is very historically inacurate, but I don't really care about that in the slightest when it comes to my enjoyment of a movie..) I just found this movie to be absurd and hokey... except for the fighting scenes, which were brutal and sweet. Gibson does nothing ground breaking dirrectorially, excpet for new levels of violence porn ( which I am a fan of).

Are you insane? Gibson didn't write the movie and I don't care what movie you like I will find 'historical/whatever inaccuracies'. Give me a break.

As for the passion.... When you film the movie in aramaic, it really releives the direrctor the responsiblity of handling actors. It's very hard to say how good of an acting job was done when it was done in a dead language. The overall movie I found to be manipulative, exploitatitve, offensive and hilarious. I think his devil imagary in the movie to be bizzare and funny, I found his insane amount of violence porn christ torture to be completely to manipoulate people in feeling guilt over the death of christ. I think it is a very anti semetic film, using classic jewish sterotypes for the pharasees, and overall I think that movie is a travesty. I am an agnostic, so I view this movie from a somewhat more objective POV than the average Xian. As a former Xian, I will say that Gibson did make a powerful guilt trip of a movie, and if it was his intentio to guilt millions of xian's, then he accomplished his goal as a filmmaker brillantly.As a side bar, I watched this movie with a former catholic priest in training who was now an agnostic. The movies, as I understand it is very catholic, so I think I missed some of the content ( as I was raised baptist). Me and my friend laughed through the entire first half of the movie, getting dirty looks all around from xian's paying homage to the death of their savior on easter. Then the torture set in, and it was no longer funny, but turned into the most unbarably uncomofrtable movie to watch ever.I pity xians who were guiltied by this movie.

I find it hilarious that you would judge a movie from a religious perspective all while claiming to be agnostic. And if you actually knew anything about Christianity you would understand that no real Christian would feel guilty at all. This is Ebert's review....

My own feeling is that Gibson's film is not anti-Semitic, but reflects a range of behavior on the part of its Jewish characters, on balance favorably. The Jews who seem to desire Jesus' death are in the priesthood, and have political as well as theological reasons for acting; like today's Catholic bishops who were slow to condemn abusive priests, Protestant TV preachers who confuse religion with politics, or Muslim clerics who are silent on terrorism, they have an investment in their positions and authority. The other Jews seen in the film are viewed positively; Simon helps Jesus to carry the cross, Veronica brings a cloth to wipe his face, Jews in the crowd cry out against his torture.A reasonable person, I believe, will reflect that in this story set in a Jewish land, there are many characters with many motives, some good, some not, each one representing himself, none representing his religion. The story involves a Jew who tried no less than to replace the established religion and set himself up as the Messiah. He was understandably greeted with a jaundiced eye by the Jewish establishment while at the same time finding his support, his disciples and the founders of his church entirely among his fellow Jews. The libel that the Jews "killed Christ" involves a willful misreading of testament and teaching: Jesus was made man and came to Earth in order to suffer and die in reparation for our sins. No race, no man, no priest, no governor, no executioner killed Jesus; he died by God's will to fulfill his purpose, and with our sins we all killed him. That some Christian churches have historically been guilty of the sin of anti-Semitism is undeniable, but in committing it they violated their own beliefs.This discussion will seem beside the point for readers who want to know about the movie, not the theology. But "The Passion of the Christ," more than any other film I can recall, depends upon theological considerations. Gibson has not made a movie that anyone would call "commercial," and if it grosses millions, that will not be because anyone was entertained. It is a personal message movie of the most radical kind, attempting to re-create events of personal urgency to Gibson. The filmmaker has put his artistry and fortune at the service of his conviction and belief, and that doesn't happen often.Is the film "good" or "great?" I imagine each person's reaction (visceral, theological, artistic) will differ. I was moved by the depth of feeling, by the skill of the actors and technicians, by their desire to see this project through no matter what. To discuss individual performances, such as James Caviezel's heroic depiction of the ordeal, is almost beside the point. This isn't a movie about performances, although it has powerful ones, or about technique, although it is awesome, or about cinematography (although Caleb Deschanel paints with an artist's eye), or music (although John Debney supports the content without distracting from it).It is a film about an idea. An idea that it is necessary to fully comprehend the Passion if Christianity is to make any sense. Gibson has communicated his idea with a singleminded urgency. Many will disagree. Some will agree, but be horrified by the graphic treatment. I myself am no longer religious in the sense that a long-ago altar boy thought he should be, but I can respond to the power of belief whether I agree or not, and when I find it in a film, I must respect it.

This is the difference between him and you... but hell, Ebert doesn't know crap, have you seen the movie he directed? What a steaming pile of crap.

[Jadaki 0]

2) Mel Gibson (Don't tell me he's not amazing)

He's not amazing.Braveheart was goodThe Passion is just a glorified snuff film that was about the most boring two hours I ever spent in a theater.

[brvheart 1,752]

He's not amazing.Braveheart was goodThe Passion is just a glorified snuff film that was about the most boring two hours I ever spent in a theater.

your opinion is incorrect. Although I'll give you a pass on this one, since we Iowa boys have to stick together... and the fact that I normally agree with what you say.

[Jadaki 0]

your opinion is incorrect. Although I'll give you a pass on this one, since we Iowa boys have to stick together... and the fact that I normally agree with what you say.

I missed where I agreed with another Iowa boy, I was more or less in shock at him being #2 on your list I actualy responded to it before reading the rest of the thread.I have a serious hatred for the Passion, there is no way anyone will ever convince me is a good film. He doesn't have a large enough body of quality work to be considered a great director.

-Akira Kurosawa

I've heard lots of good things about him, and watched the Seven Samurai for the first time this weekend and really enjoyed it. I'll be looking up more of his stuff to get from Netflix, any recommendations?

[brvheart 1,752]

I missed where I agreed with another Iowa boy, I was more or less in shock at him being #2 on your list I actualy responded to it before reading the rest of the thread.I have a serious hatred for the Passion, there is no way anyone will ever convince me is a good film. He doesn't have a large enough body of quality work to be considered a great director.

The thread title is 'favorite filmmakers'. I agree, he needs more movies, and has one being released soon that I'm sure will be awesome.

[KDawgCometh 2]

I've heard lots of good things about him, and watched the Seven Samurai for the first time this weekend and really enjoyed it. I'll be looking up more of his stuff to get from Netflix, any recommendations?

josh, everything he's done is far better then what 98% of directors can do at their best. I know that doesn't really give you a starting point, but its true. I guess you could start off with Yojimbo, the Hidden Fortress, Rashamon, Throne of BLood, o hell, just load up on his stuff. He is easily in that top 5 category of directors and I'd love to hear someone try to claim different

[Jadaki 0]

The thread title is 'favorite filmmakers'. I agree, he needs more movies, and has one being released soon that I'm sure will be awesome.

Your right, but I am still shocked to see him on anyones list.

josh, everything he's done is far better then what 98% of directors can do at their best. I know that doesn't really give you a starting point, but its true. I guess you could start off with Yojimbo, the Hidden Fortress, Rashamon, Throne of BLood, o hell, just load up on his stuff. He is easily in that top 5 category of directors and I'd love to hear someone try to claim different

Adding them to my queue tonight, looking forward to seeing more of his work.

[brvheart 1,752]

josh, everything he's done is far better then what 98% of directors can do at their best. I know that doesn't really give you a starting point, but its true. I guess you could start off with Yojimbo, the Hidden Fortress, Rashamon, Throne of BLood, o hell, just load up on his stuff. He is easily in that top 5 category of directors and I'd love to hear someone try to claim different

He's certainly very good.

[keith crime 8]

Roger Ebert never directed a movie he did write Beyond the Valley of the Dolls for Russ Corman and it is horrible but that doesn't impeach him as a film critic

[BigDMcGee 3,352]

I agree with you except I like Monkeys quite a bit more than BrazilAre you insane? Gibson didn't write the movie and I don't care what movie you like I will find 'historical/whatever inaccuracies'. Give me a break.I find it hilarious that you would judge a movie from a religious perspective all while claiming to be agnostic. And if you actually knew anything about Christianity you would understand that no real Christian would feel guilty at all. This is Ebert's review....This is the difference between him and you... but hell, Ebert doesn't know crap, have you seen the movie he directed? What a steaming pile of crap.

I liked valley of the dolls way better than passion.

I liked valley of the dolls way better than passion.

start with roshomon.oh god, How did I forget Woody Allen. Though he hasn't mad a masterpiece in years, he has made 4 movies in my top 10 favorite comedies of all time. He certainly has flaws, personally and professionally, but when he's on, he's the funniest out there.Also, I'll throw Mel Brooks out there. Again, scattershot.. at his best, he's brillant and hilarious ( blazing saddles, the producers, Young Frankenstein.) At his worst, he is unwatchable. He jumped the shark decades ago.

Roger Ebert never directed a movie he did write Beyond the Valley of the Dolls for Russ Corman and it is horrible but that doesn't impeach him as a film critic

Russ Meyer, whom is a very flawed dirrector, but I will say this about him, he has a vision.... I have thought every one of his movies that I've seen is hilarious and really wierd. And full of large breasted women, which I am a sucker for.

[Mercury69 3]

North by Northwest is Hitchcock's best movie IMO.

While some might not consider this his best film, it's certainly the pinnacle of undiluted, distilled Hitchcockian splendorGreat lead performances: Cary Grant, Eva Marie SaintSolid, well-defined side characters: James Mason, Martin Landau,Leo G CarrollAn amazing plot: NY ad man mistaken for spy that doesn't really exist! Mayhem ensuesMuch trickery and duplcitous doingsA train going into a tunnel at the endIt's got blockbuster written all over it: explosions, chase scene on Mt Rushmore, evil spiesAll the greatest elements of Hitchcock superbly wrought into one great film.My favorite Hitch flick.

[timwakefield 68]

While some might not consider this his best film, it's certainly the pinnacle of undiluted, distilled Hitchcockian splendorGreat lead performances: Cary Grant, Eva Marie SaintSolid, well-defined side characters: James Mason, Martin Landau,Leo G CarrollAn amazing plot: NY ad man mistaken for spy that doesn't really exist! Mayhem ensuesMuch trickery and duplcitous doingsA train going into a tunnel at the endIt's got blockbuster written all over it: explosions, chase scene on Mt Rushmore, evil spiesAll the greatest elements of Hitchcock superbly wrought into one great film.My favorite Hitch flick.

Yeah and you left out the amazing crop-dusting scene. My favorite line from that movie:Eva Marie Saint: I can handle it, I'm a big girl.Cary Grant: And in all the right places too.

[brvheart 1,752]

Roger Ebert never directed a movie he did write Beyond the Valley of the Dolls for Russ Corman and it is horrible but that doesn't impeach him as a film critic

That was my whole point. I didn't want BigMcDee to dismiss what Ebert said about The Passion by saying that Ebert doesn't know a good movie from a hole in the ground.

[brvheart 1,752]

I can't believe I didn't think about Clint Eastwood... but that dude is amazing.Flags of our Fathers review

[BigDMcGee 3,352]

That was my whole point. I didn't want BigMcDee to dismiss what Ebert said about The Passion by saying that Ebert doesn't know a good movie from a hole in the ground.

I like ebert some one, I liked siskel much, much more, and miss him... but frankly, I don't know how Eberts opinion on the subject matters to me in the slightest... the best thing he does as a dirrector is spectacle. Nothing ebert says on passion is going to make me think it's any better of a movie, any less offensive, any less manipulative.

[Dr. Strangeglove 0]

As far as foreign films go Amelie is definitely my favoriteNo one has mentioned the german flick Run Lola Run which is very original. Apart from rehashing some lame cartoon cut scenes it is very good

[Mercury69 3]

Yeah and you left out the amazing crop-dusting scene. My favorite line from that movie:Eva Marie Saint: I can handle it, I'm a big girl.Cary Grant: And in all the right places too.

True, true, it's a famous one. Equally good, in it's way, is the auction house scene.And here's an IMDB page with a ream of good quotes from a movie that's almost as quotable as Casablanca.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053125/quotes

[Don Giovanni 0]

As far as foreign films go Amelie is definitely my favoriteNo one has mentioned the german flick Run Lola Run which is very original. Apart from rehashing some lame cartoon cut scenes it is very good

i thought that movie was decent but not really anything more.best foreign film ever is Oldboy

[timwakefield 68]

True, true, it's a famous one. Equally good, in it's way, is the auction house scene.And here's an IMDB page with a ream of good quotes from a movie that's almost as quotable as Casablanca.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053125/quotes

Hitchcock was pretty racy for the 1950s - Roger Thornhill: The moment I meet an attractive woman, I have to start pretending I have no desire to make love to her.Eve Kendall: What makes you think you have to conceal it?Roger Thornhill: She might find the idea objectionable.Eve Kendall: Then again, she might not.And yeah, the auction scene is hilarious. And it has pretty much the nicest opening shot I've ever seen, with the green with white lines fading into the skyscraper reflecting the street.

[Mercury69 3]

It's a North by Northwest love-in!Let's not forget the great screenplay by Ernest Lehman (West Side Story, the King and I, Sabrina, The Sound of Music).And, especially, let's not forget the great score by Bernard Herrmann, best known for Psycho, also winning an Academy Award for Taxi Driver, his final film.A truly complete film is NxNW

[bigkg 0]

bumpWhat are all of your thoughts on David Lynch?I haven't seen his entire collection, but he has some great work (Mulholland Dr., Inland Empire) and some not so great ones (Dune, Lost Highway).Thoughts?

[BigDMcGee 3,352]

bumpWhat are all of your thoughts on David Lynch?I haven't seen his entire collection, but he has some great work (Mulholland Dr., Inland Empire) and some not so great ones (Dune, Lost Highway).Thoughts?

I think his only big clunker was dune.. I enjoyed lost highway, though it was a bit of a WTF? but I like that part of Lynch. I haven't seen Inland Empire, I'll have to check it out.

[bigkg 0]

I think his only big clunker was dune.. I enjoyed lost highway, though it was a bit of a WTF? but I like that part of Lynch. I haven't seen Inland Empire, I'll have to check it out.

Yea, I probably shouldn't put Lost Highway in the same category as Dune, I still didn't like it though.

[damien 0]

the cohen brothers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!