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Scene from Cinema Paradiso
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With the many lists and essays written on the subject of film, there has been one thing that The Oscar Buzz has tried to understand: Who is my favorite of the film world? For 10 weeks this summer, I will be exploring this with a countdown of the Top 50 names based on a numerical ranking of ratings from various sources, the following is a list of directors who rank above everyone else. With occasional upsets, this is intended as both a discussion opener as well as a better understanding of me as a film critic and fan. Please enjoy and leave any comments you have regarding the entry's selection.
SPIKE JONZE
Years Active: 1991-present
Films as Director: 4
Oscar Wins: 1 (Best Original Screenplay - Her)
Who: If there is one enviable director out there, it is Jonze. After getting his start making some of the most iconic music videos of the 90's, he transitioned to film with some of the most absurd, meditative studies on the human condition. Along with frequenting with the Jackass crew, he is someone who has a strange but impressive circle of friends and manages to be one of the most visually creative directors out there. He is one of the few whose work continues to get better as he explores some of the greatest original ideas in science fiction and relationships. His distinct style makes each film a must see and with some impressive tonal qualities, he is one of the few auteur filmmakers currently working.
POINT TALLY
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| Scene from Being John Malkovich |
-- Where the Wild Things Are (2009) --
Flickchart Ranking: #179 (750 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: Complete Filmography
Total: 810 points
-- Adaptation (2002) --
Flickchart Ranking #195 (750 points)
IMDb Rating: 7/10 (70 points)
Perks: Complete Filmography
Total: 820 points
-- Her (2013) --
Flickchart Ranking: #231 (700 points)
IMDb Rating: 7/10 (70 points)
Perks: Complete Filmography
Total: 770 points
-- Being John Malkovich (1999) --
Flickchart Ranking: #506 (450 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: Complete Filmography
Total: 560
OVERALL TOTAL: 2960
WHY DO I LOVE?
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| Scene from Her |
There is something alluring about Jonze that makes him a director that I find unsurpassed. There are contemporary directors whose work I love more, but very few feel like they can be an auteur while being financially successful. With prestige casts, his films are visually striking, but also have some of the most compelling stories out there. He strives to turn the ordinary into something extraordinary, resulting in some of the most impressive advancements in narrative techniques. His films are highly original and that is something to be thankful for in today's modern age. As for being associated with Jackass, that is just something surreal and gives him an extra edge in the crazy artist department.
UP NEXT: The king of the spoof whose films often transcend the genres they mock.
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