The Directors Project: #20 - Darren Aronofsky

Scene from Cinema Paradiso

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.

DARREN ARONOFSKY

Years Active: 1991-present

Films as Director: 6

Oscar Wins: 0

Who: There are very few directors currently working whose debuts were as immediate and intense as Aronofsky's. Along with an incredible collaboration history with composer Clint Mansell, his films are packed full of surrealism that explores the visceral nature of humans. His films have striking imagery that are often more powerful than the narratives, but it doesn't matter. His unique style has made his psychological approach to story telling a unique and successful formula that continues to make his visions rather effective. If nothing else, his work has a defining quality that even will dull will stick with you as a great piece of art that looks beautiful, even when he works within the studio system or has difficult subject matter. 


POINTS TALLY

Scene from Black Swan

-- Black Swan (2010) --

Flickchart Ranking: #63 (850 points)

IMDb Rating: 7/10 (70 points)

Perks: Complete Filmography

Total: 920 points

-- Requiem for a Dream (2000) --

Flickchart Ranking: #162 (750 points)

IMDb Rating: 7/10 (70 points)

Perks: Complete Filmography (50 points)

Total: 820 points

-- The Wrestler (2008) --

Flickchart Ranking: #345 (600 points)

IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)

Perks: Complete Filmography (50 points)

Total: 660 points

-- Pi (1998) --

Flickchart Ranking: #511 (450 points)

IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)

Perks: Complete Filmography (50 points)

Total: 510 points

-- Noah (2014) --

Flickchart Ranking: #512 (450 points)

IMDb Rating: 6/10 (60 points)

Perks: Complete Filmography (50 points)

Total: 510 points

-- The Fountain (2006) --

Flickchart Ranking: #833 (200 points)

IMDb Rating: 4/10 (40 points

Perks: Complete Filmography (50 points)

OVERALL TOTAL: 3710 points

WHY DO I LOVE?

Scene from Requiem for a Dream

There is something that I find alluring about Aronofsky. While many would complain that his work is often way too surface level, he does manage to have a psychological tinge to his work that when combined with Clint Mansell's score, it creates a palpitating, invigorating tone that captures the senses. His images are very striking and his psychological quests have a lot of weight. He can be prestigious while remaining entertaining. His films are mostly beautiful and can be a piece of art in ways that very directors can capture.

UP NEXT: The modern master of conversational scenes who challenges the notion of time.