DIRECTORS THAT GET MY DOLLARS

I’ll tell you right off the bat, Marty didn’t make THE LIST!!!

Let’s face it, Ladies and Germs, going to the theaters these days is getting more and more difficult. Ticket prices are getting so high, especially with all the IMAX and 3-D screenings (3-D tix in New York have risen to over $20 per), that for some movies I have to decide what I’d rather do… See a film or pay my electricity bill. A recent screening of Up, in 2-D mind you, with a moderate amount of snacks for my wife, kids and myself cost us about a hundred bucks. Even if my wife and I want to go alone, to see something with more mature content, we pay for a sitter and end up eating the cash either way.

This is part of the reason that I don’t do reviews on this site… well, that and the fact that I’m just such a film fan that I have a hard time disliking even poor films. So, I have resigned myself to seeing most films, in fact almost all films, when they come out on DVD. From time to time, a CG driven explosion fest, an interesting or critically acclaimed indie or a new vehicle for an actor I admire will get my butt in the seats. However, most of the time I don’t waste the time because I don’t really expect much from the films.

However, there are a few Filmmakers out there (under 10 probably) whose catalogue of work is so impressive that I know I can count on them to leave me feeling satisfied after shelling out a healthy lump of coin to see their films. For that, I thought they should be honored here, on what some are calling the greatest blog ever written (and by “some” I mean “ME”), with this week’s list: DIRECTORS WHO GET MY DOLLARS.

Here they are (in order):

SIDENOTE: I should preface this by stating that this is not a list of my favorite directors (though most would make my Top 10)… these are the guys who put my ass in the seat!

5. KEVIN SMITH.

I’m sure that Kevin Smith’s inclusion on this list over Martin Scorcese will lead to a healthy amount of death threats against myself and my family but, what are you going to do? It comes down to this… you’re either a Smith fan or you’re not. If you are, then you’re a huge fan. There’s really no in between. And I’m a HUGE fan of Smith and his View Askew universe. Now, I didn’t discover Smith until after Chasing Amy. In fact, Dogma was the first film of his I saw in theaters and I haven’t missed one since. I will say though that I am limiting this to HIS films… the ones he writes and directs. I haven’t seen Cop Out yet and, from what I’ve heard, am all the better for it.

4. STEVEN SPEILBERG.

I doubt anyone will really argue with me here. Spielberg is not only a filmmaker but a maker of classic films. I’m not sure anyone has more films on AFI’s top 100 than this man and he’s earned that distinction. I mean The Color Purple, Indiana Jones, Jaws, Schindler’s List, E.T., Jurassic Park… Come on!!! Even some of his films that aren’t quote-unquote classic films are classics to his fans (Minority Report, Hook, Empire of the Sun, Twilight Zone, etc.). Sure, there’s the occasional 1941 or The Terminal. Still, that someone could have such an extensive resume with so few flops is just amazing. Even more astounding is the diversity he shows while still managing to keep audiences, and your friendly neighborhood Kaiderman, intrigued.

3. PIXAR.

I realize that Pixar uses different directors even though, technically, Lasseter pretty much runs the show. However, Pixar is the closest thing I’ve seen to truly collaborative filmmaking so I don’t feel bad about lumping them together here. I will say that Pixar ended up #3 on this list because I wasn’t sure whether or not to put them at the top or the bottom. The fact that I have kids sort of skews the reasons why I go to see their films. However, I had seen the Toy Story and Bug’s Life films in theaters long before my kids were born. And, truth be told, I still get a little excited today when I see a new one is coming out soon… regardless of the kids. Not many animated films, or films in general, can have the range to attract kids, young adults, people my age and people my Mom’s age. Amazing! 

2. QUENTIN TARANTINO.

I’m proud to say that I was never a Q.T. hater. That is, one of those people who started bashing him when other people started liking him. Q.T. is the closest thing we have to a modern day maker of classic films. Films that will stand the test of time. Sure, he can be a bit self indulgent and a bit long in the tooth at times but Q.T. loves film… and it shows in his work… and it makes me love his films… and it puts my ass in the seat.

1. CHRISTOPHER NOLAN.

Probably the most underrated director working today. His first film, Following, is good not great. But, from his second film (Momento) on, Nolan has put out nothing but great films. Not a small task considering that recently included single handedly reviving the Batman franchise and putting out The Prestige (a GREAT film) in his down time. With Inception next on his filmography, Nolan shows no sign of giving up soon… which means I have no reason to not keep giving him my hard earned money.

That’s it for now, Movie-goers.

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Check back next Saturday as that is when new posts go up. I’m also going to try and keep the mid-week (Wednesday) posts going in the future so stay tuned. Have a great week and remember… Precious does not need to be seen in 3-D!!!