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The Week's Top 10: Directors
The top 10 directors that have a say in the week of 18th-25th August.
 No. 10. Robert Redford, born 18.8.36Although maybe better known for his acting ability, Robert Redford's only Oscar win was as Best Director for his directorial debut film Ordinary People (1980). (Seen here on set with Mary Tyler Moore) |  No. 9. John Sturges, died 18.8.92Most famous for directing The Magnificent Seven (1960) & The Great Escape (1963), but was only acknowledged by the Academy for his work on Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) for which he received a nomination for Best Director. (Seen here on the set of The Great Escape with Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson & James Coburn) |
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 No. 8. Tim Burton, born 25.8.58With works such as Batman (1989) & Edward Scissorhands (1990) Burton is regarded as a great director. Although, not always to my taste and has recently gone "off the boil" he lies at a meagre 8th in this poll. |  No. 7. Tony Scott, died 19.8.2012Although remembered for his work on Hollywood blockbusters such as Top Gun (1986) & Enemy of the State (1998), he gets the 7th spot here purely for his work on True Romance (1993), a truly great film. |
 No.6. David O. Russell, born 20.8.58For such a short career in film (his 1st film, Spanking the Monkey, was released in 1994) David O. Russell has been very successful. He has been nominated for Best Director Oscars for the his last three films released: The Fighter (2010), Silver Linings Playbook (2012) & American Hustle (2013), he could have a long future ahead. |  No.5. G. W. Pabst, born 25.8.1885Considering he is known as one of the finest directors in German cinema, Pabst should probably be closer to the top here, but I must admit I haven't seen any of his films in its entirety. So Pabst is here purely by merit from film history, but I promise I will watch some of his films, especially Die freudlose Gasse (1925) |
 No.4. Judd Apatow19th August, 2005, saw the release of Judd Apatow's first film as a director, The 40-Year-Old Virgin. Although, Apatow has had more influence on cinema from a producer position, his impact on the comedy world is worth recognising here. He has helped to give us so many comedy classics. Thank you, Judd. |  No.3. Baz Luhrmann20th August, 1992, saw the release of Strictly Ballroom, Baz Luhrmann's directorial debut. Luhrmann's first three films were astounding: Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet (1996) & Moulin Rouge! (2001). Since then he hasn't given us much but The Great Gatsby (2013) was hopefully a sign of a return to form. |
 No.2. Shane MeadowsThis week saw two of Shane Meadow's movie released. Both the premiere of A Room for Romeo Brass (1999) & the release of Dead Man's Shoes (2004) happened this week. Shane Meadow's films are some of he best from the UK in many years, I am a huge fan of his work, hence his position at No.2. |  No.1. Roman Polanski, born 18.8.33The list of Roman Polanski's work is too vast to list here, the man's ability to create suspense, emotion and engagement is up there with the best. With only one Oscar win for The Pianist (2002) it goes to show how the Academy are effected by the politics of cinema and not purely focussed on the talent. For me, easily No.1 amongst this list of 10 great directors. |
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