When it comes to American directors, few careers are more varied and prolific than David Gordon Green. Finding acclaim in the world of independent dramas, he shifted to major studio comedies before returning to give a few once-heralded actors a return to glory, most recently in Joe and in the forthcoming Manglehorn (led by Al Pacino). On top of all that, he’s given his hand to great television (Eastbound & Down) and accomplished features (Compliance, The Comedy, Shotgun Stories, Land Ho!).
Today brings a look at who he believes are the top up-and-coming talent behind the camera. Over at Dazed (who also share his tips for independent filmmakers), he’s run through 10 (technically 11) directors that are names one needs to know. While I’d argue that Andrew Dominik might be on the radars of most film fans and, in full disclosure, he’s collaborated with about half the names here, it’s still a strong collection of talent.
Check it out below, see extended write-ups by Green at the source, and stay put for an extensive conversation between Green and the star of his latest film, Nicolas Cage:
Jeremy Saulnier (Blue Ruin)
David Michôd (The Rover, Animal Kingdom)
John Magary (The Mend)
Todd Rohal (The Catechism Cataclysm)
Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurdsson (Paris Of The North)
Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty)
Dustin Guy Defa (Family Nightmare)
Andrew Dominik (Killing Them Softly, The Assassination of Jesse James)
Aaron Katz and Martha Stevens (Land Ho!)
Peter Sattler (Camp X-Ray)
Do you agree with David Gordon Green’s list? Who would you add?