Great directors

This man is singularly responsible for my having a soul.

This man saw photography and cinema and created Magic. He is my Hero.

Krzysztof Kieślowski is a legend. From The Decalogue and La Double Vie de Véronique to his Trois Colours trilogy he has created some of the most compelling art I've seen to date. Also, his collaboration with composer Zbigniew Preisner on his soundtracks is nothing short of stellar.

One of my cinematic heroes.

<3 I love this man so much.

No one tells a story like Atom Egoyan because no one is more visually and sensually arresting.

In a time where women were rarely more than beautiful starlets (1910-1979), this woman managed to make 47 animated films. And not only did she direct them all, but was also responsible for the all the silhouette animations as well! Her first full-length animated feature, "The Adventures of Prince Achmed" (1926) is a delight that I believe people of all ages should view and her take on fairy tales is a lovely alternative to some of the more contemporary tellings.

Women on the Verge... was my all time favourite film when I was a child. I first saw it when I was about 9 years old and it was the best, most dramatic, funny thing I had ever encountered. I must have re-watched it over 10 times that week. All About My Mother was my favourite when I was about 19-20, because the main character so reminded me of my brother, who was teaching in Costa Rica at the time and I was missing terribly. And each of his films continue to fill me with wonderful emotions through the years. Women on the Verge... is still one of the best, most dramatic, and funny films I've ever seen. And I've probably seen it 10 times this week. Just kidding... But I do still watch it an awful lot! ^_^

Definitely among my top ten favourite directors. I can't think of a single one of his films that I don't find delightful.

One of my great heroes!

A great treasure of wit and questions.

I LOVE LUCHINO VISCONTI'S MOVIES!!! My favourite of his work is "Le Notti Bianca" (adaptation of Dostoyevsky's "White Nights").

My first favourite director at age 7.

Every little thing you do is magic.

One of the loveliest story-tellers of this age. From Kama Sutra and Monsoon Wedding to her adaptations of Vanity Fair and The Namesake everything she touches is a delight.

You are my sunshine.

See her movies. I can't stress this enough. She is just such a fascinating director with a unique and interesting vision. My personal favourite is Tempest, but if you prefer more mainstream works, Across the Universe is a lovely start!

Surly drama queen that he is, George Cukor must be on this list for the work he did with his wonderful comedy, "The Women" (1939).

His Before... series is the most real, scripted conversation I think I have ever seen. Of course everyone wants this to be their reality in the dating world, but by the last film Linklater (along with his marvelous co-writers) is really asking you "Are you sure its what you think?" And yet, still manages to keep that sense of real life and genuine human emotion/reactions to the scene.

Her adaptation of Little Women is one of the finest I've seen. My mother, sister, & I watched it every year (at least once a year) during Christmas time since it's release and it continues to be my own Chrismas favourite to date.

If I am like any person in the film world at all, based on her writings her films/voice, and her interviews it would Julie Delpy. Hands down.

I love the honesty and the humor she brings to her work. And also the anger and involvement.

From Perfume to Cloud Atlas to Run Lola Run - Tom Tykwer can do no wrong.

I grew up with Sarah Polley. Metaphorically, that is. She was there when I was a child as Ramona. Again as a teenager in Go and The Sweet Hereafter (I was a weird child. I saw La Bleu Girl when I was like 12 by accident, so this was a walk in the park). And helped me through a rough patch of life decisions in my 20's in the wonderfully, heartbreaking film "My Life Without Me" (note the director below:).

So, imagine my joy when she finally took her rightful place in the world of director and actually made films with real heart.

L'Avventura is breathtaking.

This woman makes some very interesting, brilliant directorial choices. She's at the top for a reason, so see her films. That is all.

Lars von Trier is weird. I mean that as the sincerest compliment. Melancholia is one of the best "end of the world" pictures I've seen.

Marjane Satrapi is an amazing woman with an incredible life story. Her most famous endeavor, Persepolis, is a poignant coming-of-age story that discusses what it's like to be a young Iranian girl during the Islamic Revolution. AND it's based on an autobiographical graphic novel that Satrapi wrote!!! Incredible.

I would like to note that while I LOVED "Lost in Translation" I have been less than thrilled with some of her other works. That said, she still makes the list because I have faith that she will make many other films I'll adore.

His sensational film, White Nights, starring Mikhail Baryshnikov and Gregory Hines (along with Helen Mirren and Isabella Rossellini), is the reason I became a dancer at such a young age. I first saw this film when it was first released in 1985 - I was about 4. I have seen this film over 200 times+++ and it is STILL the best dance film I've ever seen.

I was always particularly impressed with the way Hackford chose to really introduce his principles (dancers, along with Isabella Rossellini). Introductions and moments are really where Hackford comes in strongest, and he created plenty of spotlight on them.

A man of art.

<3 My Life Without Me changed my life. <3

Darren Aronofsky continues to make weird, interesting pictures. Usually they make me think. Often they make me think "why did you do that?" But overall, I find myself intrigued by them.

Jill Soloway's remarkable work on United States of Tara was so impressive that it led me to her recent endeavor: Afternoon Delight. I thought it was a great film. It was funny and weird and just plain good. Enjoy it and look forward to more.

Home for the Holidays is still my favourite seasonal, family, or holiday film of any that I've seen to date.

For Okuribito (Departures).

My happiness.

For Vanya.

Genius cinematic director of the 1930's-40's. My personal favourite is "The Shop Around The Corner" (with Jimmy Stewart & Margaret Sullivan) which is like playing a videogame where you get to know all the NPCs. It's lovely.

"In the Land of Blood and Honey" was an incredible film to behold. I find it continually fascinating that someone as stunning and privilege as Angelina Jolie could direct a picture with such eloquent human emotion, substance, and depth.

Can't wait to see Faithless!

Circumstance was such an incredible film. Very memorable opening scene.