Three directors who revolutionized the film industry
Pablo Picasso, one of the greatest and most-influential artists of the 20th century according to Britannica, once said, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.” In the cinematic industry, three directors went beyond the standard of their time to pioneer new techniques in cinematography, storytelling and directing.
Christopher Nolan
By redefining the superhero genre, introducing non-linear narratives and tackling complex themes all while mastering practical effects, British-American film director Christopher Nolan quickly became one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation, as per EBSCO. According to IMDb, Nolan has won two Oscars for his recent film “Oppenheimer,” among his 200 wins and 300 nominations for films such as “Inception,” “Dunkirk” and “The Dark Knight.”
As per EBSCO, Nolan’s impact in the film industry stems from his distinctive style of building tension through the use of his characters’ psychology and personality, the reorganizing of timelines in a story, and the preference of using handheld cameras and realistic settings. In an interview with Nolan by Los Angeles Times, he said he always finds himself “gravitating” to the analogy of a maze when making films. He said watching characters from above the maze, knowing which choices are right and wrong, makes a story frustrating. “You actually want to be in the maze with them, making the turns at their side, that keeps it more exciting… I quite like to be in that maze,” Nolan said.
According to IMDb, on challenging the audience to view elements with a different perspective, Nolan said a director must establish something familiar for the audience first. “But you have to be very aware that the audience is extremely ruthless in its demand for newness, novelty and freshness,” he said.
Akira Kurosawa
Japanese writer and director Akira Kurosawa revolutionized the film industry with the cinematic artistry in his movies that tackled intense storytelling, refined characters and profound themes, says EBSCO. He was praised and revered by American and European filmmakers like George Lucas, who created “Star Wars” as a spiritual remake to Kurosawa’s “The Hidden Fortress,” according to IMDb. As a pioneering Japanese filmmaker and one of the greatest directors in the history of cinema, says EBSCO, Kurosawa received an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1990.
Throughout his career, Kurosawa was known for his ability to portray raw and intense human expressions, realistic unreserved struggles and exceptional action shots, according to IMDb. When he accepted his honorary Oscar in 1990, Kurosawa addressed the audience on themes like courage, conflict and emotion with the words: “To be an artist means never to avert one’s eyes,” as per the Lexington Herald Leader.
In an interview by director Maani Petgar, Kurosawa said, “If we are not honest to ourselves, we will never be able to make decent films.” He said a film is not supposed to be a lecture and should instead depict human problems and lives in a natural way.
Steven Spielberg
Recognized as one of the most financially successful directors in the film industry according to EBSCO, renowned American filmmaker Steven Spielberg is a pioneer in cinematic techniques and responsible for culturally significant films like “Jaws,” “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial,” “Indiana Jones” and “Jurassic Park.” As per EBSCO, Spielberg’s “Jaws” was what first solidified his legacy as a master of special effects, but it was his ability to explore various genres that shaped modern filmmaking. According to IMDb, Spielberg won three Oscars for “Saving Private Ryan” and “Schindler’s List” among his 217 wins and 350 nominations. On filmmaking and his creative process, Spielberg once said, “I dream for a living.”
In an interview with Newsweek on what keeps driving him to make movies, Spielberg said he loves to make movies because he gets to live many lifetimes. In an interview with the American Film Institute on filmmaking, Spielberg said, “It is truly the greatest art form ever invented.” He said being a filmmaker encompasses being a painter, a musician and a writer. It is the only technology that has ever brought every art form into one arena, he shared.