It takes a lot of talent, time, and hard work to become a successful filmmaker in the modern age. With that said, if you have the right vision and originality, you can make it happen. It also helps to have the right people behind you, including talented screenwriters, cinematographers, and producers. For anyone trying to break into the film industry, they know that it is no easy feat. Thankfully for all of us, Quentin Tarantino met up with the right producer, Lawrence Bender. Their collaboration sparked the flame that created a collection of classic movies.Making a film is never easy, but in the end, it starts with a dream.
Filmmaking has changed a lot in the modern age. Today, almost everybody has a camera in the palm of their hands. Directors like Sean Baker, who recently directed Red Rocket, showed us that good movies can be filmed on nothing but an iPhone. This is an optimistic idea for any filmmaker looking to make their way into the business. However, it takes a good story with good actors to make any film worth watching. Throughout the years, we have seen several legendary filmmakers make their way through their classic movies. Let’s take a look at the top breakout movies from modern filmmakers.
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9 Bottle Rocket
Sony Pictures Releasing
In 1996, Wes Anderson made his breakthrough film titled Bottle Rocket. The film tells the story of three friends who plan a heist and go on the run. It introduced the world to Anderson’s unique filmmaking style as well as his colorful and well-thought-out images that he constantly puts on screen. At the same time, it brought together the collaboration of Anderson and the Owen brothers, who would go on to make several movies together in the future.
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY
8 Eraserhead
Libra Films
There has never been a film like David Lynch’s Eraserhead. It follows Henry Spencer (Jack Nance) on an epic odyssey through grotesque and surreal visuals. It is an artistic film that introduced the world to the demented, yet brilliant, mind of David Lynch. Although the film may not be for everyone, it created a buzz and has since become a cult classic, all the while starting the long and unique career of David Lynch. He proved that it takes an original vision as well as cutting-edge techniques to have a successful directing career.
7 Lady Bird
A24
Greta Gerwig’s breakthrough success was a beautiful coming-of-age film that showcased the struggles of high school life and growing up. Her sharp dialogue carries the film, and it is portrayed brilliantly by the talented actors including Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, and Lucas Hedges. Lady Bird is an honest and entertaining film that proved the filmmaking and storytelling talents of Gerwig. The film also showed us a success story of an actor turned filmmaker.
6 The Virgin Suicides
Paramount Pictures
Sofia Coppola made her mark with The Virgin Suicides. The film captures the struggles of teenagers, and highlights the lives of a group of girls living with overbearing parents. At the same time, Coppola uses beautiful scenery and dialogue to tell her dark story. Coppola showed us through this film that she had a unique approach to directing and that she could create a beautiful, thought-provoking movie. The Virgin Suicides stars James Woods, Kirsten Dunst, and many more.
5 The Evil Dead
New Line Cinema
Sam Raimi’s The Evil Dead started a successful horror franchise while also launching the director’s successful career. The story follows a group of friends in the woods who begin to get possessed by a demonic force. The film is a wild ride of horror, gore, and fantastic visual effects. Raimi proved with this breakout film that he was a talented director destined to have a long and successful career. Since The Evil Dead’s release, there have been several sequels as well as a remake in 2013.
4 Get Out
Universal Pictures
Nobody would have thought that comedian Jordan Peele would become a master of the horror genre. His first film was Get Out, a story about a man (Daniel Kaluuya) who visits his girlfriend’s parents only to be trapped in a psychological nightmare. Peele’s script is excellent and the film touches on many topics about race in today’s society. The film was a huge success and Peele has since become one of the most popular filmmakers on the market, with his upcoming Nope being one of the highly anticipated films of the year.
3 Memento
Newmarket
Christopher Nolan’s breakout film, Memento, is a mind-bending experience that broke the mold when it comes to story-telling. The film follows Leonard (Guy Pearce), a man who is unable to form new memories, who is searching for his wife’s killer. The film moves backwards, scene by scene, making the audience feel what it is like to have Leonard’s condition. It is a fantastic and interesting film that started Nolan’s epic career.
2 Mean Streets
Warner Bros.
Martin Scorsese’s breakout film features an all-star cast and introduced us to the kind of stories that Scorsese would continue to tell throughout his career. The film follows a group of young men hustling, gambling, and making their way on the violent streets of New York City. Mean Streets tackles several themes including friendship, family, and religion. The film received positive reviews and kick-started the career of one of the greatest living filmmakers.
1 Reservoir Dogs
Miramax Films
Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs proved that you can make a successful gangster film on a small budget. Tarantino uses sharp dialogue and interesting characters to tell a story of a heist that went wrong. The film showed us that Tarantino was a writer that no one has ever seen before, but it also showed us that he was a brilliant director. Tarantino created a suspenseful film filled with drama, violence, and humor. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and introduced the world to the brilliance of Quentin Tarantino.
