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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.
ROBERT RODRIGUEZ
Years Active: 1991-present
Films As Director: 16
Oscar Wins: 0
Who: More than any other director of the 90's, there was something otherworldly about Rodriguez. He came out of nowhere with his self-financed and created El Mariachi. From there, he only went on to make films on a scrappier, stranger level that played into his tendencies for grindhouse films and other films from his childhood. Focusing almost specifically on Mexican heritage, he is a powerful voice that manages to mix ridiculous fight scenes with great performances that capture something comic, dramatic, and surreal about the universe. Most of all, his work remains diverse and always surprising. While he is arguably not making the greatest films, he does manage to create something that he actually enjoys making, and that alone is an ultimate achievement.
POINTS TALLY
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| Scene from Desperado |
-- Sin City (2005) --
Flickchart Ranking: #128 (800 points)
IMDb Rating: 8/10 (80 points)
Perks: None
Total: 880 points
-- From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) --
Flickchart Ranking: #225 (700 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: None
Total: 760 points
-- Desperado (1995) --
Flickchart Ranking: #385 (550 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: The El Mariachi Trilogy (Overall 10 Points)
Total: 610 points
-- Machete (2010) --
Flickchart Ranking: #386 (550 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: None
Total: 610 points
-- El Mariachi (1991) --
Flickchart Ranking: #478 (450 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: The El Mariachi Trilogy (Overall 10 Points)
Total: 510 points
-- Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003) --
Flickchart Ranking: #645 (400 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: The El Mariachi Trilogy (Overall 10 Points)
Total: 470 points
-- Four Rooms (1995) --
Flickchart Ranking: #986 (50 points)
IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)
Perks: None
Total: 110 points
-- Spy Kids (2001) --
Flickchart Ranking: #915 (100 points)
IMDb Rating: 5/10 (50 points)
Perks: None
Total: 150 points
OVERALL TOTAL: 4100 points
WHY DO I LOVE?
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| Scene from Sin City |
This is an example of a director benefiting from a lot of films in the Top 1000. While I will admit to having a fondness for Rodriguez, it does seem a little egregious for him to be placed so high on this list. Nonetheless, he is a particular director whose style and wit often produces some of the most enjoyably simple films. He loves grindhouse techniques and he has even applied it in some sense to his children's films. I love that he is diverse and can work on cheap. I also like that he can jump between multiple different projects so effortlessly. While I will admit that his prime was in the 90's, I think he occasionally will release something of value when given the right material. However, I do worry that because of his occasional need for unnecessary sequels that this may become a detriment at some point.
UP NEXT: From horror to superhero films, he is a director who has continually added his wicked sensibilities to making uniquely funny and dark films.
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