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The Essential Directors: The Art and Impact of Cinema's Most Influential Filmmakers
From Turner Classic Movies, this is the essential guide to all the must-know detail on the style, achievements, and landmark films of the most influential directors in cinema history from the silent era through the 1970s.
For well over a century, those who create motion pictures have touched our hearts and souls; they have transported and transformed our minds, intoxicated and entranced our senses. One artist's vision is the single most prominent force behind the scenes: the director. The Essential Directors illuminates the unseen forces behind some of the most notable screen triumphs from the aesthetic peak of silent cinema through the New Hollywood of the 1970s. Considering each artist's influence on the medium, cultural impact, and degree of achievement, Turner Classic Movies presents a compendium of Hollywood's most influential filmmakers, with profiles offering history and insight on the filmmaker's narrative style, unique touches, contributions to the medium, key films, and distinctive movie moments to watch for. The work of these game-changing artists is illustrated throughout by more than 200 full-color and black-and-white photographs.
In The Essential Directors you’ll read how Cecil B. DeMille revamped religion to define an era, and how Oscar Micheaux broke barriers to become the most influential Black filmmaker of the 1920s. You’ll marvel at the efficient artistry of “One-Take Woody” Van Dyke and fall in love again with the sophisticated studio-era classics
of George Cukor. You’ll gain insight into how women like Dorothy Arzner and Ida Lupino built thriving careers in an industry ruled by men and discover what drove Mike Nichols to mix comedy with tragedy, becoming the highest-paid director of his day in the the process. The Essential Directors presents the work of these game-changing artists and dozens more in this stunning volume.
For well over a century, those who create motion pictures have touched our hearts and souls; they have transported and transformed our minds, intoxicated and entranced our senses. One artist's vision is the single most prominent force behind the scenes: the director. The Essential Directors illuminates the unseen forces behind some of the most notable screen triumphs from the aesthetic peak of silent cinema through the New Hollywood of the 1970s. Considering each artist's influence on the medium, cultural impact, and degree of achievement, Turner Classic Movies presents a compendium of Hollywood's most influential filmmakers, with profiles offering history and insight on the filmmaker's narrative style, unique touches, contributions to the medium, key films, and distinctive movie moments to watch for. The work of these game-changing artists is illustrated throughout by more than 200 full-color and black-and-white photographs.
In The Essential Directors you’ll read how Cecil B. DeMille revamped religion to define an era, and how Oscar Micheaux broke barriers to become the most influential Black filmmaker of the 1920s. You’ll marvel at the efficient artistry of “One-Take Woody” Van Dyke and fall in love again with the sophisticated studio-era classics
of George Cukor. You’ll gain insight into how women like Dorothy Arzner and Ida Lupino built thriving careers in an industry ruled by men and discover what drove Mike Nichols to mix comedy with tragedy, becoming the highest-paid director of his day in the the process. The Essential Directors presents the work of these game-changing artists and dozens more in this stunning volume.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2021
26 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Sloan De Forest
5 books10 followersSloan De Forest is a writer, actor, and film historian who has written about film for Sony, Time Warner Cable, the Mary Pickford Foundation, and Bright Lights Film Journal. She has contributed essays to the books Natalie Wood: Reflections on a Legendary Life and Grace Kelly: Hollywood Dream Girl. She lives in Hollywood—mentally, spiritually, and geographically.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 31, 2021
THE ESSENTIAL DIRECTORS: THE ART AND IMPACT OF CINEMA’S MOST INFLUENTIAL FILMMAKERS was not what I expected. I do know that a number of the TCM books focus on general overviews so that they won’t leave the “casual” filmgoer behind. That is certainly the case here. They also tend to feature many wonderful photographs. This one had less than I anticipated, but they were there. Finally, I can always count on them to send me scurrying to my Watchlist to add movies that I want to see again (or for the first time). That occurred with this one, too.
No, the troubling aspects were the omissions.
Each highlighted Director received a nice background for inclusion in this book. There were also sections called “Must-See Movies” and “Key Scene To Watch.” Of course, I sometimes disputed what was listed, but I readily acknowledge that is a matter of taste. However, for a fair number of “Must-See” listings, the films either aren’t described at all or else received a sentence or two of acknowledgment. That seemed very strange.
But, my most major concern is with that phrase, “Most Influential Filmmakers.” Frankly, that was what most strongly influenced me to read the book. Yet, the listings were sometimes startling. I’m not referencing personal preferences. Douglas Sirk is included. I generally don’t care for his films at all. At the same time, I also agree that he was a major influence.
No, I’m bothered by some of the choices … and particularly the omissions. Here’s an example:
Elaine May is profiled. As a Director, she made four films. None of them are on many Watchlists today. Her first film (and the one that brought her significant attention) was A NEW LEAF. According to the writer, her “cut” was about 3-hours running time. The studio took it away from her and made major deletions. May would sue the company and lose the lawsuit. (Apparently, one of her other films also resulted in a court case when it was taken away from her.) So, arguably, two of her four films did not reflect her Vision. How was she an influential Director?
Now, if the writer wanted to argue that she was an influential Screenwriter, I would entirely agree. I’ve read interviews with many Screenwriters who have cited Elaine May’s screenplays as major inspirations. But, again, as a Director … ?
The omissions are more notable. I immediately thought of three Directors whose work influenced others who were not included. Possibly the most glaring omission is David Lynch. Think of how many times you have seen, read or heard referenced that a certain film was “Lynchian.” Still, he wasn’t included.
Despite my disappointment, there are a number of things to like about THE ESSENTIAL DIRECTORS. Again, the more casual film fan will likely respond more favorably than the serious film student. At the same time, any book that leads to the discovery of a “cinematic gem” definitely has merit.
No, the troubling aspects were the omissions.
Each highlighted Director received a nice background for inclusion in this book. There were also sections called “Must-See Movies” and “Key Scene To Watch.” Of course, I sometimes disputed what was listed, but I readily acknowledge that is a matter of taste. However, for a fair number of “Must-See” listings, the films either aren’t described at all or else received a sentence or two of acknowledgment. That seemed very strange.
But, my most major concern is with that phrase, “Most Influential Filmmakers.” Frankly, that was what most strongly influenced me to read the book. Yet, the listings were sometimes startling. I’m not referencing personal preferences. Douglas Sirk is included. I generally don’t care for his films at all. At the same time, I also agree that he was a major influence.
No, I’m bothered by some of the choices … and particularly the omissions. Here’s an example:
Elaine May is profiled. As a Director, she made four films. None of them are on many Watchlists today. Her first film (and the one that brought her significant attention) was A NEW LEAF. According to the writer, her “cut” was about 3-hours running time. The studio took it away from her and made major deletions. May would sue the company and lose the lawsuit. (Apparently, one of her other films also resulted in a court case when it was taken away from her.) So, arguably, two of her four films did not reflect her Vision. How was she an influential Director?
Now, if the writer wanted to argue that she was an influential Screenwriter, I would entirely agree. I’ve read interviews with many Screenwriters who have cited Elaine May’s screenplays as major inspirations. But, again, as a Director … ?
The omissions are more notable. I immediately thought of three Directors whose work influenced others who were not included. Possibly the most glaring omission is David Lynch. Think of how many times you have seen, read or heard referenced that a certain film was “Lynchian.” Still, he wasn’t included.
Despite my disappointment, there are a number of things to like about THE ESSENTIAL DIRECTORS. Again, the more casual film fan will likely respond more favorably than the serious film student. At the same time, any book that leads to the discovery of a “cinematic gem” definitely has merit.
April 20, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable survey of the careers of great directors
I found myself speeding through this book and reliving so many great films I’ve seen over the years on TCM, as well as movie revival houses, public TV, home video, streaming services and other channels. Sloan De Forest provides entertaining descriptions of the careers and films of so many favorite directors, including Hitchcock, Welles, Hawks, Spielberg, Scorsese, Lubitsch and many, many more. The book focuses its chapters mostly on individual mainstream Hollywood directors, interspersed with some breezy roundups of groups of foreign and indie directors. De Forest also calls attention to some lesser known women directors in a few chapters, some dating back to the early days of silent film, which sent me searching for clips on YouTube of them. The book made me hunger to watch and rewatch so many great movies. It’s a great read for any film buff, plus the photos and layout are top notch, even in ebook format.
I found myself speeding through this book and reliving so many great films I’ve seen over the years on TCM, as well as movie revival houses, public TV, home video, streaming services and other channels. Sloan De Forest provides entertaining descriptions of the careers and films of so many favorite directors, including Hitchcock, Welles, Hawks, Spielberg, Scorsese, Lubitsch and many, many more. The book focuses its chapters mostly on individual mainstream Hollywood directors, interspersed with some breezy roundups of groups of foreign and indie directors. De Forest also calls attention to some lesser known women directors in a few chapters, some dating back to the early days of silent film, which sent me searching for clips on YouTube of them. The book made me hunger to watch and rewatch so many great movies. It’s a great read for any film buff, plus the photos and layout are top notch, even in ebook format.
July 14, 2024
Another interesting TCM book providing well illustrated, brief overviews of Hollywood directors. The title is a bit of a misnomer since the book focuses on American films. Foreigners only get full profiles if they made American films. I would love to see a TCM do a book like this for non-American directors.
The author tried to be inclusive which proved a bit hit or miss. Let's be honest; white men dominate the director field. Elaine May get a blurb, but her influence is more as a writer than as a director. Leni Riefenstahl doesn't get a mention. Her views were abhorrent, but her films had a massive impact. Oscar Micheaux has only recently been rediscovered. While he's important, I'm not sure he's influential. Where is Spike Lee or Gordan Parks?
The author tried to be inclusive which proved a bit hit or miss. Let's be honest; white men dominate the director field. Elaine May get a blurb, but her influence is more as a writer than as a director. Leni Riefenstahl doesn't get a mention. Her views were abhorrent, but her films had a massive impact. Oscar Micheaux has only recently been rediscovered. While he's important, I'm not sure he's influential. Where is Spike Lee or Gordan Parks?
November 26, 2021
Another winner from TC M
This book is indispensable for lovers of film. The author presents the most iconic directors and their major films. The individual entries are short, but will give the reader a good introduction to these directors and their must-see movies.
This book is indispensable for lovers of film. The author presents the most iconic directors and their major films. The individual entries are short, but will give the reader a good introduction to these directors and their must-see movies.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews