Russell Crowe’s new movie Poker face just released, and many audiences are already calling it a vast improvement over his directorial debut, The water diviner. This seems to be a common case with actors getting into directing – and by their second feature, most have already found their unique style.
And Russell Crowe is certainly not the first actor to try his hand behind the camera. It’s increasingly common for actors to try their hand at directing, as it’s an easy way to draw attention to a project. But many actors actually have a clear knack for it, and by their second feature, it’s usually clear.
Jon Favreau – Elf (2003)
Most audiences will know Jon Favreau for his recent acting work in the MCU, but he’s actually the name of some of the most popular movies and TV shows in recent memory. He has recently worked on projects such as The Mandalorian and The Lion Kingbut his most popular work remains the festive classic Elf.
When it comes to Christmas movies, it’s hard to think of a more beloved and popular example than Elf. The film has become a staple of the season, with many families returning to the timeless story year after year – which is a huge testament to Favreau’s incredibly engaging directing style.
George Clooney – Good Night and Good Luck (2005)
George Clooney has unfortunately earned a reputation as one of today’s most boring directors, but those who criticize his talent clearly don’t know his early days. Good night and good luck tells the thrilling true story of a journalist’s attempts to bring down Senator Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s, and it’s done with a clear confidence and boldness that really makes the story feel powerful.
Clooney’s directorial work may not have reached such heights since 2005, but there’s no denying that he displays obvious talent behind the camera in this film. From crisp monochrome cinematography to emotional storytelling, the film is a brilliant addition to the investigative thriller genre.
Angelina Jolie – Unbroken (2014)
Uninterrupted tells the true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner whose life and career were turned upside down when he was taken prisoner by the Japanese army during World War II. It’s an inspiring story of determination and mental toughness that Jolie truly elevates with her moving and gripping cinematic.
It’s not often that an actor like Angelina Jolie can transition to directing so effectively, but Uninterrupted really feels like the work of a seasoned veteran. The story unfolds at a natural pace and the visual style really helps convey the important messages of Zamperini’s journey.
Jordan Peele – Us (2019)
Jordan Peele is one of the rare examples of an actor who transitioned into directing so effectively that his acting career was an afterthought. He has only directed three films so far, but they have all been huge hits, both commercially and critically.
Whereas get out incorporated elements of horror into its thrilling narrative, We was Peele’s first attempt at a full-fledged horror film. The film has several moments of genuine terror and panic that really cemented Peele as one of the best horror directors working today.
Rob Reiner – The Sure Thing (1985)
The sure thing may not be Rob Reiner’s best work, but it is undoubtedly one of his most entertaining and engaging. It’s a classic ’80s rom-com that capitalizes on the unmistakable chemistry of lead stars John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga to really shine.
Reiner’s talents aren’t fully developed here, but they’re still there. He’s good at knowing when to run a scene and when to stop, which gives The sure thing a really effective dynamic from start to finish. It’s such an easy watch, which is all you’d really need from a holiday rom-com.
Sofia Coppola – Lost in Translation (2003)
Sofia Coppola made her film industry debut as Mary Corleone in The Godfather: Part 3, but his greatest accomplishments have been behind the camera. She began her directing career with virgins who committed suicidebefore wowing viewers with his painfully raw drama lost in translation.
The film stars Bill Murray and Scarlet Johansson as two lost souls who find solace in each other’s company when they find themselves lost in Japan. It’s a poignant meditation on independence and love, which immediately cemented Coppola as one of the few genuine talents with celebrity parents.
Ben Affleck – The City (2010)
After coming through the ’90s as one of the most popular actors in the industry, Ben Affleck decided to try his hand at directing – and it was one of the best decisions he ever made. His existing experience in the film industry gave him a solid understanding of how to make a movie exciting, and he applied all that knowledge to The city.
There’s not a dull moment in The city, which tells the story of a group of thieves whose planned exit from commerce is cut short when an FBI agent becomes involved in their operation. It’s completely unpredictable from start to finish, with Affleck’s direction ensuring audiences never know exactly what’s going to happen next.
Jodie Foster – Home for the Holidays (1995)
Most people know Jodie Foster from her work as a child actor in films such as Taxi driver and the original terrible fridaybut Foster quickly applied everything she had learned as an actress in a series of well-received directing endeavors.
Home for the holidays is probably Foster’s most popular and well-known film to date, starring Holly Hunter as a woman whose life begins to fall apart just before she visits her family home for the holidays. It’s a sweet and charming story, displaying a keen restraint behind the camera that allows the story to really thrive in its own quaintness.
John Krasinski – The Hollars (2016)
OfficeJim Halpert will always be John Krasinski’s most popular character, but the actor has actually started to make a name for himself as a director in recent years. Most people know of his involvement in A silent placebut before that, he actually directed a few heartfelt family dramas such as The Hollars.
The Hollars is a fairly straightforward and predictable film, but Krasinski elevates the story with his charming cinematic and impressive ability to weave stories together, allowing him to create an intricate web of family drama and emotional character work.
Greta Gerwig – Lady Bird (2017)
It’s not often that a director’s second project receives a Best Picture Oscar nomination, but that’s exactly what Greta Gerwig pulled off with it. lady birdone of the most popular and beloved teen dramas of the past decade.
Saoirse Ronan leads the story with her most relevant and compassionate performance to date, navigating the character of Lady Bird in a way that nearly any audience will be able to see themselves in. Gerwig’s direction is impeccable, cementing lady bird as an instant classic of the genre.