The Best Director

Who is the best film director of all time? What an impossible question but due to the controversy that it stimulates ... here goes.

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To determine the BEST of anything there must be some criteria because that is such a "little-big-word". Since a director might have made a few great films but still not be the best, I have pondered the topic on the basis of choosing a director whose films, as a body of work, are the best overall. One simple question that rises quickly to the surface is; whose films do I feel inclined to watch again over a long period of time without tiring or having them lose their luster? Then there is the question of versatility. Who has been successful making great films in the most different genres?

Alfred Hitchcock first came to mind. His films definitely stand the test of time and he had a tremendous influence on all films to follow. But his greatest work was with suspense. That was where he had the gift despite often revealing a trendous sense of humor. Then there is Frank Capra but again, his talent was very specific to the comedic-drama, though "Arsenic and Old Lace" is one of the all time great pure comedies. As over-played as it was, "It's a Wonderful Life" and several other Capra films will never lose the power of their message. For some contemporary filmmakers, Steven Spielberg has covered a wide range of themes and has a most noteworthy body of work. In more recent years "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan" testify to his ability to make serious films as well. The strength of these films added to the very popular ones that gave him the clout and resources to do whatever he wanted with the medium makes it hard to bump his name down in my list. And yet I did move him down. Not because it might be a cliche to pick him, but because I think that he derived his skills from those that went before. So, my search continued.

At last I come to my selection, Howard Hawks! What ... why, you say! Very simple. Howard Hawks directed films from 1926 to 1970. That is quite impressive by itself though some of the best comedies ever made such as "Bringing Up Baby" and "His Girl Friday" were his films. He made "To Have and Have Not" and "The Big Sleep" with Bogart and Bacall, which are intrigue/mystery classics to be sure. He made crime dramas and westerns too. On the basis of such a long and productive career making films we will be watching for many decades to come, my vote goes to Howard Harks. Several of his films, including "His Girl Friday", are listed in our Film Classic section. Unfortunately some of his great films are not yet available on DVD but this should happen over time.