Since his feature-length debut in 1986 with She’s Gotta Have It, Spike Lee has remained one of the most important and innovative voices in the film industry. No one has had their pulse on the zeitgeist quite like Lee, and even when he flounders, you can’t help but be impressed with what he manages to get right.For this list, we’re looking at the 22 feature-length narrative movies he’s directed over the years as well as a TV show based on one of his most famous films. Get ready for another StudioBinder joint because we’re ranking the best Spike Lee films…
There’s no doubt about it: Stanley Kubrick is one of the greatest filmmaking pioneers of all time. Stanley Kubrick was, in many ways, a perfectionist. As such, his filmography isn’t as expansive as those of his contemporaries. But for what Kubrick lacked in quantity he made up for in quality: Each film he directed was a product of detailed planning and masterful execution. Here, we’re going to rank the best Stanley Kubrick films based on these four criteria: acting, filmmaking, and story.Continue reading Best Stanley Kubrick Movies — 13 Masterpieces Ranked (and Video Essay)
Martin Scorsese is the true king of cinema. While most filmmakers are lucky to have just one film that stands the test of time, Scorsese has had hit after hit across five decades. Saying “the best Martin Scorsese films” is like saying “the best chili cheese fries” because even when they’re not the greatest, they’re still pretty darn good. All Martin Scorsese movies have been accumulated here and ranked. While there are several that could easily take the top spot, there can only be one winner. Join us now for StudioBinder’s ranking of the best Scorsese movies ever.NOTE: For this…
What is the Wes Anderson style? Is it a mixture of vintage tchotchkes, droll repartee, and houndstooth? Well … yes, but there's more to it than that, a lot of which has generally gone unnoticed. We'll break down the Wes Anderson style and its components, which will help you define your own cinematic habits so that, one day, film students can become overly possessive of your movies. We also provide Wes Anderson's filmography and a rankings list of the best Wes Anderson movies to so you know which are essential viewing. Continue reading The Wes Anderson Style Explained: Ultimate Guide
You’ve seen many Steven Spielberg movies in your time. Despite his popularity, it can be difficult to pinpoint what defines the Steven Spielberg directing style. Perhaps his control of the medium is so natural and intuitive, his trademarks and cinematography techniques go unnoticed in a good way. This article will explore the most iconic films by Spielberg, analyzing his unique style and storytelling techniques. We get lost in a Spielberg movie in a way that’s like no other filmmaker. His ability to captivate audiences raises questions like what film is the highest grossing of all time, as many of his…
Early filmmakers showed the world that a movie director could be an artist. But not every movie director. Because part of auteur theory is knowing how to define auteur directors. Before auteur theory, Directors were important, but the other factors were still more significant. Stars. Studios. Producers.People referred to a 'Clark Gable movie' for example, because in the 1930's stars ruled the day. Auteur theory came in the early 1950's, and it changed all that. It shifted some power away from actors, producers, and studio moguls. It shifted power towards directors. Towards specific types of directors. And it ultimately led…
Watch any film by David Lynch, and you’ll see that he has a singular style. The focus of his films varies — from chaotic romances to high school murders — but there are recurring themes and moods that the director evokes. Because of this, many critics and fans have begun using the term “Lynchian” to describe films or even real-life events that have that Lynch flavor. But what does Lynchian mean exactly? Let's rock!Continue reading What Does Lynchian Mean — David Lynch’s Cinematic Style
Best Tarantino MoviesQT's Directing StyleQT Directing Tips QT DialogueOnce Upon a Time AnalysisBasterds Breakdown How do you learn filmmaking techniques from a director like Quentin Tarantino? You can watch his films, and learn his filmmaking process with quotes from Quentin Tarantino interviews. We also built a video with directing tips and examples from Quentin Tarantino films. Become a better filmmaker by learning from the best.Continue reading Quentin Tarantino Interviews, Directing Tips & Quotes on Film
Paul Thomas Anderson movies have evolved over the last two decades. His early films are chaotic and dramatic, built with extreme techniques and extreme performances. His later films have similar intensity, but it is often internal, more intellectual than physical. And his directing style has also become more mature and restrained.So far, P.T. Anderson only has eight feature films under his belt, but he has emerged as one of the most exciting American filmmakers. Let's take a trip through his filmography and find out what makes Paul Thomas Anderson movies so damn good.Continue reading Paul Thomas Anderson Movies and Directing…
Satyajit Ray is regarded as not only one of the greatest filmmakers in Indian cinema, but as one of the greatest filmmakers in cinema history. We’re going to break down the best Satyajit Ray films by way of three criteria: direction, story, and theme. By the end, you’ll know why Ray’s films are so well-regarded!Continue reading Best Satyajit Ray Films — Top 10 From a True Cinematic Icon