I, by no means, claim to be a movie buff. My Netflix queue stacks up faster than I am able to clear it out. However, I do have a fine appreciation for the art of filmmaking, specifically directing. When one thinks of the greatest directors of all time, one may think Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, all of which are masters of the craft, but I enjoy thinking a bit outside the box when generating these types of lists. So, here are my top five directors of all time in no particular order.
Edgar Wright
Most notable for his work on Shaun of the Dead (2004), Baby Driver (2017), and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), Edgar Wright is known for his quick-paced and incredibly sharp humor. My introduction to Wright was in 2010 with Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and I remember leaving the movie theater amazed by how jammed packed the movie was with jokes told through witty writing, extraordinary editing, and special effects.
Edgar Wright films move at a million miles per hour, and very rarely slow down to allow you to take a breath. Every scene is carefully constructed, and even the background jokes are almost funnier than the ones being displayed right in front of your face. Edgar Wright movies are ones that you can watch multiple times and still discover something new you didn’t notice upon first watch. Some essential watches would be Hot Fuzz (2007) and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010).
Richard Linklater
If I had to choose one movie that was formative to the person who I am today, hands down, I would say School of Rock (2003). Yes, School of Rock, starring the comedy heavy-hitter, Jack Black. Not only does the movie still hold up as one of the greatest movies of all time with memorable performances from the entire cast and a timeless soundtrack, Richard Linklater demonstrates his directing skills and cements his place as one of the absolute best.
Although comedy is a genre Linklater can obviously hit it out of the park, he has also done a phenomenal job in the existentialism film department. Waking Life (2001) is a mind numbing visual experience blending live action footage with animation overlay creating a dreamlike state. The film follows a man fading in and out of different conversations with a wide range of characters discussing the meaning of dreams and the overall purpose of life. Linklater generally makes more hits than misses, and I have yet to see a film of his that I have not enjoyed immensely. Boyhood (2014) and Waking Life (2001) are must watches.
Spike Lee
Spike Lee is one of those directors that is such a staple in the world of film and it seems like every single one of his films have been able to stand the test of time. Whether it’s Malcolm X (1992) or She’s Gotta Have It (1986), Lee has been able to articulate the current racial tensions in society through the art of filmmaking with style. From music videos, short films, and documentaries, Lee has a knack for storytelling in a multitude of mediums and pouring in so much authenticity that seeps into the performers he works with. With a powerful filmography and an Academy Award under his belt, Spike Lee has proven to be one of the best of all time. Some essentials to watch are David Byrne’s American Utopia (2020) and BlacKkKlansman (2018).
Spike Jonze
Another Spike on this list, Jonze is a director who is able to create aesthetically pleasing worlds in his films such as Her (2013) and Where the Wild Things Are (2009). With a wide range of projects such as Jackass, Being John Malkovich, and a ton of eye candy music videos, Spike Jonze continuously showcases through his unique sense of style why he is one of the most beloved directors of all time. Jonze has worked with a number of musicians such as Arcade Fire, Kanye West, Weezer, Daft Punk, and many others, and has been able to demonstrate his captivating visuals through coloring, framing, and overall storytelling.
One of my favorite projects Spike Jonze directed was Frank Ocean’s string of festival performances back in 2017. I experienced one of these live masterpieces in Los Angeles when Frank performed at FYF. Jonze was behind the camera, and created this presence on stage that made it seem like Frank was performing a very intimate show despite there being a sea of people watching. There was also a moment in the show where Frank was performing “Close to You” while a very concerned looking Brad Pitt was on the phone, having a conversation as Frank sang. It was absolutely beautiful. A few must watches are Her (2013) and Fatboy Slim’s music video for “Weapon of Choice.”
Guillermo del Toro
To round off this list of directors is the Mexican filmmaker, Guillermo del Toro. Del Toro is known for creating fantastical worlds with lavish sets and stunning characters. A couple of notable films include Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) and The Shape of Water (2017). Del Toro is able to bring magic to life through the prosthetics and makeup of the different creatures he casts in his films. Del Toro is truly a master of storytelling with his mythical beasts and unsettling visuals. Some must-sees in del Toro’s filmography are Pacific Rim (2013) and The Shape of Water (2017).
And that’s it. I know that this list leaned heavily on male directors which is shameful, especially it being Women’s History Month. But I am not the cinephile that I should be, so I do not have the extensive knowledge of film to accurately generate a list of the best directors of all time. If anything, this list is a subjective inventory of directors that I have seen multiple movies from and have enjoyed profusely enough to recommend.
With that being said, do you agree with this list? Who are your favorite directors of all time? Let us known in the comments and visit us on all social media platforms @themouthsoap.
