Stanley Kubrick (USA)
Many things have been said about Kubrick over the years but one thing remains true: His vision was all encompassing and very specific. Though he may have made each of his movie's in wildly different genres, his exacting eye was the same throughout. Every scene of every movie reminds me of a photograph, composed just so; taking into account mood, lighting and composition. That is exactly why I like him: his unwillingness to change the way he sees the world just to please an audience.
Some of his most famous films include:
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Lolita
- A Clockwork Orange
- Eyes Wide Shut
- Dr. Strangelove
- Full Metal Jacket
- Spartacus
- The Shining
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David Cronenberg (Canada)
David's had many names and of course, many critics over his long career and it's true, his movie's aren't the type you'd see with your mother but that's exactly the kind of attitude that separates him from the rest of the industry: his willingness to take on projects no one else would touch with a ten-foot pole. His fixation has always been with the body, how it relates to the mind and the world around it. As one person put it, 'David works with extremes' and that's what draws me to him, time and time again.
Some of his most famous films include:
- Crash
- Naked Lunch
- Scanners
- The Fly
- Dead Ringers
- Spider
- A History of Violence
- Videodrome
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Michael Haneke (Austria)
In a similar way to Kubrick, Haneke has a very specific, uncompromising vision that, despite changing genres, remains the same. But that's where the similarities end. Haneke is completely fearless in his exploration of the dark side of human behavior and motive, never condemning nor advocating his subjects actions, he simply trains the lens on them like a documentary film-maker and let's nature (and the acting) take its course. I wouldn't call his film's shocking so much as truthful.
Some of his most famous films include:
- Cachè (Hidden)
- The Piano Teacher
- Funny Games
- Time of the Wolf
- Code Unknown
- Gabrielle
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Neil Jordan (Ireland)
In true Irish fashion, Neil Jordan isn't afraid of anything: Not vampires, vigilantes, hopeless romantics, escaped convicts or even Cillian Murphy in a blonde wig and a frilly dress. Every time I see a new movie by him is being released, I expect it to be sweeping and grand, no matter what the subject matter. Neil may hopscotch from drama to comedy but he's always refreshing and knows how to direct a narrative that entertains while still adding in a few spices to the mix.
Some of his most famous films include:
- The Crying Game
- Interview with the Vampire
- Breakfast on Pluto
- Michael Collins
- We're No Angels
- The Brave One
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Mel Brooks (USA)
I find I'm a bit speechless when it comes to talking about Mel because everything has been said and said again, before. But through all the high praise he's received from critics and fans over his long and bloated career, he remains exactly what he always claimed to be: a jew. Well, he was also a comedian too. Every actor he's ever worked with sings his good name and no matter where you come from or what kind of comedy you say you like, there's at least one of his movie's that'll make you laugh.
Some of his most (in)famous films include:
- Blazing Saddles
- The Producers
- Young Frankenstein
- Robin Hood: Men in Tights
- Spaceballs
- Dracula: Dead and Loving It
- High Anxiety
- History of the World: Part 1
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Joel Schumacher (USA)
Setting aside the obvious fact that Schumacher swings the other way, it's hard not to notice how its affected his style of film-making. His many turns at drama prove he's capable of pulling you in with a strong story and thrilling narrative but once his flamboyant streak comes out, it hits you like a ton of bricks. This mixture, though, is exactly what separates him from his peers. When he wants to be serious and dark, he can do that. When he wants to put Batman in a rubber suit and bathe everything in neon light, he can do that too.
Some of his most famous films include:
- St Elmo's Fire
- The Lost Boys
- Batman Forever
- The Client
- 8MM
- Tigerland
- Phone Booth
- The Phantom of the Opera
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