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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.
WOODY ALLEN
Years Active: 1950-present
Films as Director: 44
Oscar Wins: 4
-Best Original Screenplay (Annie Hall)
-Best Director (Annie Hall)
-Best Original Screenplay (Hannah and Her Sisters)
-Best Original Screenplay (Midnight in Paris)
Who: One of the most prolific American directors currently working. With limited exceptions, he has released a film every year over the past five decades. While he tends to skew towards comedy, his films are known to explore intellect in relationships, existence, and careers. With an admiration of world cinema, his films often reference directors such as Ingmar Bergman and Federico Fellini. Even if his work can be hit and miss, he often produces quality work that provides insight into film and how our environment influences our behaviors.
POINTS TALLY
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| Scene from Stardust Memories |
-- Annie Hall (1977) --
Flickchart Ranking: #2 (900 points)
IMDb Rating: 7/10 (70 points)
Perks: None
Total: 970 points
-- Sleeper (1973) --
Flickchart Ranking: #46 (900 points)
IMDb Rating: 8/10 (80 points)
Perks: None
Total: 980 points
-- Stardust Memories (1982) --
Flickchart Ranking: #67 (850 points)
IMDb Rating: 8/10 (80 points)
Perks: None
Total: 930 points
-- Love and Death (1975) --
Flickchart Ranking: #143 (800 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: None
Total: 860 points
-- Manhattan (1979) --
Flickchart Ranking: #186 (750 points)
IMDb Rating: 7/10 (70 points)
Perks: None
Total: 920 points
-- The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985) --
Flickchart Ranking: #194 (750 points)
IMDb Rating: 7/10 (70 points)
Perks: None
Total: 820 points
-- Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) --
Flickchart Ranking: #205 (700 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: None
Total: 760 points
-- Midnight in Paris (2011) --
Flickchart Ranking: #249 (700 points)
IMDb Rating: 7/10 (70 points)
Perks: None
Total: 770 points
-- Take the Money and Run (1969) --
Flickchart Ranking: #268 (650 points)
IMDb Rating: 7/10 (70 points)
Perks: None
Total: 720 points
-- Blue Jasmine (2013) --
Flickchart Ranking: #323 (600 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: None
Total: 660 points
-- Deconstructing Harry (1997) --
Flickchart Ranking: #366 (550 points)
IMDb Rating: 7/10 (70 points)
Perks: None
Total: 620 points
-- Bananas (1971) --
Flickchart Ranking: #384 (550 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: None
Total: 610 points
-- Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) --
Flickchart Ranking: #402 (500 points)
IMDb Rating: 7/10 (70 points)
Perks: None
Total: 570 points
-- Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) --
Flickchart Ranking: #404 (500 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: None
Total: 560 points
-- Radio Days (1987) --
Flickchart Ranking: #664 (350 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: None
Total: 410 points
-- Zelig (1983) --
Flickchart Ranking: #668 (350 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: None
Total: 410 points
-- Match Point (2005) --
Flickchart Ranking: #770 (250 points)
IMDb Rating: 5/10 (50 points)
Perks: None
Total: 300 points
-- Husbands and Wives (1992) --
Flickchart Ranking: #838 (200 points)
IMDb Rating: 5/10 (50 points)
Perks: None
Total: 250 points
-- What's Up, Tiger Lilly? (1966) --
Flickchart Ranking: #715 (300 points)
IMDb Rating: 5/10 (50 points)
Perks: None
Total: 350 points
OVERALL TOTAL: 12370 points
WHY DO I LOVE?
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| Scene from Match Point |
From the moment I started conceptualizing this list, I knew that Allen would be first. Besides the fact that he is one of the most prolific American directors currently working, he is one of the most consistent. He rarely makes a film that I actually dislike. His work has a singular voice that has spawned many decades and reflects an intellect that is quite refreshing. While he has matured into a very focused director with a familiar style, it still works with the right material. He continually produces great performances and makes a lot of witty remarks in the process. From his comedies to his dramas, there's something for everyone and his audacity to embrace world cinema in the process is an impressive feat. Allen surpasses most American filmmakers simply by showing up. He isn't always producing masterpieces, but compared to most people's worst, he is surprisingly great.
UP NEXT: The bottom 50 and some final thoughts
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