In my 09.30.21 piece titled Is Paul Thomas Anderson Still The Current ‘Master’ of Cinema? I pondered who were the best directors working within the American studio system. I came up with the following 10 names: Paul Thomas Anderson Alfonso CuarónJoel and Ethan Coen Martin ScorseseDavid LynchQuentin TarantinoDavid FincherWes AndersonSteve McQueenChristopher Nolan This was an article that generated a lot of Facebook and Twitter shares, but also plenty of requests to expand the list to more than ten. And so, after much deliberation, here are numbers 11-20: Kelly ReichardtJames GrayGuillermo del ToroYorgos LanthimosAlejandro Gonzalez InarrituDarren AronofskyNoah BaumbachRichard LinklaterThe Safdie BrothersDamien Chazelle I would have loved Jeff Nichols to be included here. Todd Haynes as well. I’m pinching myself for not including the director of “Carol,” “Far From Heaven” and “Safe.” Inconsistency may have played a role in denying him a spot in the top 20. Terrence Malick has been in a bit of a rut since “Tree of Life,” if this list were made in 2011 then he’d have easily cracked the top 10. Spike Jonze is an incredible filmmaker, but he hasn’t made a movie since 2013’s “Her.” What gives? He has no projects coming up either, has he retired? Steven Spielberg has slowed down a bit since the Aughts ended. From 1998-2008 he was in a career-peak streak with “Saving Private Ryan,” “A.I” “Minority Report,” “Catch Me If You Can,” “Munich,” “War of the Worlds.” Alas, his output recently, although with some bright spots, has been a bit of a letdown.Let the debate begin. Contribute Hire me
Advertise Donate Team Contact Privacy Policy
