This year, nearly 100-year-old director Clint Eastwood will release what will likely be his last film. Jury No. 2 tells the story of a man who must decide the fate of a notorious criminal. This is despite him struggling between ethical issues and the pressures of being part of the North American court system. Much more so when you begin to understand that your participation can be the difference of freedom,to the life and death of a criminal figure of significant gravity.
Of course, the film, with all its emotional charge and critique of the American legal system, is only the most recent example of Eastwood’s commitment to the world of cinema. With more than thirty directorial credits to his name, his experience has led to the creation of a series of pessimistic and deeply humane stories on the big screen. But the artist’s journey began in front of the cameras. Throughout much of the 1970s and 1980s, Clint Eastwood was recognized as one of the most popular faces in action films. But it was his role as a director that brought him unanimous recognition, as well about the possibility of creating a completely special style of cinema that would mark the “before” and “after”.
Of course, he is not the only actor who has decided to take the director’s chair. We leave you with five actors and actresses turned directors. From a performer who created even one of the most prestigious film festivals, to a director who occupies a prominent place in modern auteur cinema. Everything that affects power the seventh art should be an opportunity for great talents to show their full brilliance.
Robert Redford
In 1958, after experiencing the tragic death of one of his children, a very young Robert Redford began his journey into the world of acting. And he did it, no less than on Broadway, where he immediately attracted the attention of Hollywood producers and directors. Two years later, she became a rising star, landing important roles in productions such as Perry Mason, Alfred Hitchcock Presents And Twilight Dimension. Finally, he made his debut in the Mecca of cinema with Military huntDenis Sanders. The rest is history.
But it was the director’s career that demonstrated the performer’s ability and talent for a type of contemplative and adult cinema. In 1980, he made his debut behind the camera with People like one. Featuring a stellar cast led by Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore, this is a deep drama that explores the relationships between families affected by a tragic event. Thanks to his work, Redford He received his first Oscar nomination in the Best Director category.
In 1988 he returned to directing with A Place Called Miracle. Shortly thereafter, in 1992, he did so with River of Life. But it would be Quiz Show: Dilemmafrom 1994, which was an unexpected success. The film received two Oscar nominations for Best Picture.oh, the director – and was considered one of the best films of the decade.
Work for the future of cinema
But beyond his work in front of and behind the camera, Robert Redford carved out a prominent place in Hollywood history with the creation of the Sundance Institute in 1980. The foundation is both a training center for aspiring directors and a festival of new talent. Which has allowed for more than forty years to provide opportunities for all kinds of visions in film.
Located in Utah, the Sundance Institute offers young filmmakers an annual fellowship that allows them to participate in more than just academic activities on campus. Also receive funds for your first projects, which will eventually They are part of the annual festival poster.
Kenneth Branagh
The British actor began his film career with a job that was destined to go down in history. In 1981, he was part of the cast of the classic film. chariots of fire Hugh Hudson with an unnamed character. But anonymity did not stop him from entering the world of cinema through the front door. Seven years later he would star in and direct Henry V. the first of many adaptations of Shakespeare’s works that he brought to the big screen.
In fact, much of Kenneth Branagh’s career has been spent directing and starring in film adaptations of classic plays (sometimes both). In 1993 he tried to adapt Much ado about nothing, featuring a cast of A-list actors including Denzel Washington and Emma Thompson. Later he headed Othello as Iago.
In 1994, the director demonstrated his knack for horror with his version of Frankenstein, in which he played the hapless Victor. Two years later, in 1996, he would realize his cherished dream – to give a face to Prince Hamlet – a play that he also directed. In 2011, he even participated in the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Thor. Currently and after being nominated for an Oscar for Best Director with Belfast, works in the shared universe of Agatha Christie’s works. The latest project feed Mystery in Venicewhich is considered one of his most interesting films visually and narratively.
Danny DeVito
The comedian has had a distinguished career in front of the cameras. Even though he is less prolific than other artists who play both roles, the truth is that his filmography is one of the most curious and interesting in the world of entertainment. In particular, for the fact that it was possible to bring to the cinema a series of stories that combine intelligence, very dark humor and a special vision of the world.
In 1987 he staged Kick mom off the trainblack comedy inspired strangers on a trainAlfred Hitchcock. Later, in 1989, he directed War of the Rosesuniting the legendary acting couple Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, in a creepy satire about heartbreak.
But it would be with Hoffa: Impulse to Powerreleased in 1992, which found worldwide film acclaim as well as almost unanimous critical acclaim. Later, in 1996, the director filmed the work that brought him into popular culture and for which most film lovers remember him. Matildabased on the work of the same name by Roald Dahl, it was not only a success among the public and the specialized press. At the same time, in a generational classic that is still moving due to its importance.
Greta Gerwig
She is currently one of the most important women in the entertainment world. But Greta Gerwig began her career modestly. I CAN’T LAUGH Joe Swanberg, a 2006 low-budget film. In fact, he had to wait until 2012 to get the corresponding role in Francis Ha, directed by his current partner Noah Baumbach.
But it was her interesting career as a director and screenwriter that secured her place among the most exciting new faces in the world of cinema. In 2008, she made her directorial debut with Joe Swanberg in the film Nights and weekends. An interesting drama with comedic overtones that explores… in bright and uncomfortable moments of relationships.
However, it was in 2017 that he was able to fully demonstrate his vision with Ladybug. The film held a top rating on Rotten Tomatoes for over two months and showcased the quality of a coming-of-age story with an intimate and timeless tone. In 2019 he filmed a new film adaptation little women, in which she presented an updated view of femininity and talent. Finally, in 2023, it was brought to the big screen. Barbiewhich not only became one of the highest-grossing films in history, but an affirmation of female identity.
Sofia Coppola
One of the most important directors of our time, she had a rocky start in the world of cinema. After small roles in various works by her father or some of his close associates, she played Mary Corleone in Godfather III. This is a replacement for Winona Ryder, who left the role due to health reasons. But either due to inexperience or the pressure of playing such a significant character in a historical saga, it turned out to be a bad experience. So much so that it completely ruined his promising career.
But Sofia Coppola had other plans and, having recovered from disappointment, she began her directorial career in 1998 with the film Lick the star14-minute black and white short film. The following year, one of his most famous works was published. Virgin suicidesa tragic coming-of-age story based on the play of the same name by Jeffrey Eugenides, He made a splash with his contemplative style and emotional reflection.
In 2003, he staged one of his most memorable works: Lost in translationa Twilight romance starring Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray. The film earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Director and a win for Best Screenplay. It will arrive in 2006 Marie Antoinettebased on the life of the queen of the same name and finally in 2023 Priscillaconsidered part of the best in his filmography.
Source: Hiper Textual
