Directors

Michael and I were talking a couple of nights ago about our favourite directors and sorts like that. He named both mainstream and less known directors and then asked myself. I believe that it's better to judge films then the directors whom made them. For example, Peter Jackson is an amazing director, he captures every shot with perfection, but King Kong lacked the content and grip seen in his other films, does this mean has to fall down my list of favourite directors? No way. Just means Lord of the Rings was fantastic, and King Kong couldn't reach his high standards, but he should have a massive respect, always for the dedication and enthusiasm in his projects. So in the light of this, I'll name two of directors whom inspires me in film (otherwise the list will be never-ending and the post just wouldn't be posted!)

I have to start with the legendary Tim Burton, he is obviously one of the greats, his fantastical productions are always made with extravagance and perfection. He's actually one director of whom I've liked nearly all of his films, and am excited about the production of Addams Family coming out in 2014. Obviously you'll know what I mean when I say Tim Burton, and that fact is another reason why he's amazing. He makes a statement, leaves a mark in the mind and isn't afraid to do it, brilliant! The film that set this love off was Edward Sisscorhands released in 1991, the story of the lovable misfit of society played by Johnny Depp, but it was the images on the screen that caught me eye, the props, scenery and compositions, and then - the cherry on top - the story was beautifully heart-warming. I was in love with this Mr Burton.

Secondly, Jean-Pierre Juenet illustrates a unique picturesque style. He's obviously known for Amelie, which is definatly one of my favourite films of all time; containing humour, a romance, elegance in everyday life, and creative scenes plus Amelie's amazing haircut! However, the film that introduced me to Juenet was a black comedy named Delicatessen, fiull of it's fantastical, grotesque, captivating and creative structure, all at the same time. In fact, before Amelie, Juenet concerntrated on this macabre style a lot more, but to be honest I think his style works beautifully with most themes. As Delicatessen was the first film I saw and immediatly fell in love with his style, it made Amelie a bit strange to watch, mainly because the main structure of the stories are extremely contrasting, but this leap of difference has lead Juenet to open doors - even to the childish stories of MicMacs (which I still hope to see). Concluding, both Amelie and Delicatessen are worth a watch - or even buy, and both will contain weird and wacky storylines and scenes.

Furthermore, I think it's worth a mention, my favourite music video directors. I think these directors are always a bit left out, but it should be recognised that even the big mainstream directors of now started by commercials, low-budget productions and even music videos. The first isn't well known - Adam Powell, and the video that allowed my to notice him was by You Me At Six, and it is called 'Liquid Confidence'. What attracted my towards him was initially the style of the whole thing, it was well planned and produced, the angles were more or less perfect and it was better then half the videos on any music channel I'd seen in a while. Looking him up www.adampowell.com I saw the other music videos he had directed, a lot were in black and white - not a bad thing, in fact the contrast of the black and white was perfect, the right balance I believe, which can be annoying with black and white still imagery and film. One of his music videos, that I plead anyone to watch - even if you don't like the song - is, 'Fireworks' by Tell it to the Marines (video placed at the end of this blog). The use of zoom and pull focus is worked with amazingly, and for the basic plot of the video that would normally be boring, Powell has played with camera, experimented with the shots and it produced a brilliant production! If I were the band, I'd be pretty chuffed.The second Director is Floria Sigsimondi, of whom she has worked with Marilyn Manson, The Cure, Bjork and David Bowie. Although her music videos are of such an high artistic and creative standard, it's actually her short film called 'Postmotem Blues' and her photography that made me fall for her. I can't really put in words how amazing she is or describe the level of her work, but it's worth a look - floriasigsimondi.com.