Independent Movie Directors
This list of “15 Independent Movie Directors You Should Know About” features some of the biggest stars to ever come down the indie pipeline. While many of these directors would leave the independent scene behind for films with more generous budgets, others stubbornly stayed under the mainstream radar and turned out deeply personal works. Still others prefer a mix of the two, working with unknown actors one year and major stars the next. Along with each entry, I’ve listed defining characteristics, interesting personal information, and three suggested films (unless their body of work isn‘t large enough to warrant it).
Indie Film Directors
These are by no means the only talented indie movie directors out there, and I encourage you to do your own research once you’ve finished reading.
David Lynch - Described as the “most important director of this era,” David Lynch is known for a unique visual style that often features dreamlike imagery and wild metaphors. Many of the female characters in his films also have fractured personalities or multiple identities. Lynch turned down the opportunity to direct “The Return of the Jedi,” but later enjoyed mainstream success with television’s quirky drama “Twin Peaks.”
Suggested Works: “Blue Velvet,” “The Elephant Man,” “The Straight Story”
John Waters - One of the most controversial independent movie directors to ever stand behind a camera, John Waters is famous for his trash films featuring celebrity criminals, outrageous situations, and a recurring cast of actors known as the Dreamlanders (including Divine and Mink Stole). Attends celebrity trials as a hobby.
Suggested Works: “Pink Flamingos,” “Polyester,” “Hairspray”
Sofia Coppola - The daughter of Francis Ford Coppola, Sofia has made a name for herself by acting, producing, directing, and writing screenplays. While her performance in “The Godfather Part III” was savaged by critics, she bounced back by receiving an Academy Award for her screenplay to “Lost in Translation.” With her win, she also became a third-generation Oscar recipient. Married to director Spike Jonze from 1999 to 2003.
Suggested Works: “The Virgin Suicides,” “Lost in Translation”
Richard Linklater - Known for innovative films where events often take place within a 24-hour period and young people ponder their future or trade philosophical quips, Richard Linklater is an independent film director who offers a clear alternative to the usual Hollywood fare. Founded the Austin Film Society in 1985.
Suggested Works: “Slacker,” “Dazed and Confused,” “Waking Life”
Jim Jarmusch - Concerned more with character development, Jarmusch’s film often lack a traditional narrative structure. Musicians frequently appear in key roles, and a dark sense of humor is pervasive throughout. A major proponent of independent cinema, Jarmusch is credited with helping bring about the modern movement with his release of 1984’s “Stranger Than Paradise.” A founding member of The Sons of Lee Marvin, a tongue-in-cheek secret society whose members all resemble the legendary actor.
Suggested Works: “Stranger Than Paradise,” “Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai,” “Coffee and Cigarettes”
John Sayles - Fond of addressing social concerns and using many of the same actors in his films, director John Sayles has funded many of his projects by writing genre scripts such as “The Howling” and “Piranha.” He also writes his own films, and his abilities as a screenwriter have been used on rewrites for “The Fugitive” and “Apollo 13.” Got his start in Hollywood turning out scripts for Roger Corman.
Suggested Works: “Lone Star,” “Matewan,” “The Brother from Another Planet”
Spike Lee - Perhaps the most outspoken of independent movie directors, Lee’s films often deal with social concerns and issues of race. In the past, he has frequently been critical of Hollywood for its portrayal of African-Americans and the lack of quality minority roles. A passionate fan of the New York Knicks, he can usually be found courtside for their home games.
Suggested Works: “Do the Right Thing,” “Malcolm X,” “She’s Gotta Have It”
Woody Allen - Celebrated filmmaker whose large body of work as a director stretches back over 40 years. His films usually deal with relationships between men and women, and Allen often casts himself in the leading role. While he enjoyed major success in the 70s and 80s, the popularity of his films has waned in recent years, although he’s still highly respected in Europe. When not making movies, Allen plays jazz clarinet at festivals and small venues in Manhattan.
Suggested Works: “The Purple Rose of Cairo,” “Annie Hall,” “Crimes and Misdemeanors”
Steven Soderbergh - A versatile indie director who achieved early success and now alternates between artsy, experimental works and big-budget films. Popular with actors, he has been able to work multiple times with such performers as Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon. Roger Ebert has called him the “poster boy of the Sundance generation.”
Suggested Works: “Sex, Lies, and Videotape,” “Out of Sight,” “The Limey”
John Cassavetes - One of the first independent movie directors, Cassavetes also acted in such celebrated films as “The Dirty Dozen” and “Rosemary’s Baby.” His films featured a realistic style with natural lighting and hand held cameras, and actors were encouraged to deliver their own interpretation of the dialogue. All three of his children (Nick, Alexandra, Zoe) went on to become directors.
Suggested Works: “The Killing of a Chinese Bookie,” “A Woman Under the Influence,” Shadows”
Quentin Tarantino - Combining his encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture with a geeky love for film, Quentin Tarantino has become one of the most successful independent filmmakers of his generation. Mixing dark humor, graphic violence, and frequent tributes to films of the past, Tarantino has resurrected the careers of such performers as John Travolta, Pam Grier, and David Carradine.
Suggested Works: “Reservoir Dogs,” “Pulp Fiction,” “Inglourious Basterds”
Gus Van Sant - His films often deal with those considered outsiders by mainstream society (drug users, homosexuals, tortured geniuses), and Van Sant’s success has allowed him to work on budgets both large and small (including the ill-advised remake of “Psycho”). Nominated for multiple Academy Awards, Van Sant has released two musical albums, including one entitled 18 Songs About Golf.
Suggested Works: “Drugstore Cowboy,” “To Die For,” “Milk”
Joel and Ethan Coen - Filled with irony and alternating between dark and screwball humor, the films of the Coen brothers have long been the darlings of the critical community. Both brothers are equally involved in directed, producing, and writing, and many of their works feature either crimes being committed or criminals as central characters. They frequently work with the same performers, including George Clooney, Richard Jenkins, Frances McDormand (Joel’s wife), John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Jon Polito, and John Turturro.
Suggested Works: “Fargo,” “Blood Simple,” “Raising Arizona”
Robert Rodriguez - Combining a sense of humor with his trademark fast cuts and exaggerated zooms, Rodriguez has directed everything from kids’ movies to horror flicks. His first film, “El Mariachi,” was made for around $7,000, and during the production he did the editing, scoring, and cinematography himself out of necessity. Even though the budgets are larger these days, he continues to be heavily involved in all aspects of the filmmaking process. He’s the second cousin of actor Danny Trejo and often features him in his films.
Suggested Works: “Desperado,” “From Dusk Till Dawn,” “Sin City”
Roger Corman - Known as the “King of the B-movies,” Corman is famous for his ability to shoot films quickly on a tight budget. He has directed over 50 films and produced more than 300, although most tend to be forgettable works of exploitation. Some, however, have went on to become cult classics. Corman is also famous for giving a number of future stars their big break in the business, including Jack Nicholson, Dennis Hopper, Robert De Niro, James Cameron, Ron Howard, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Talia Shire, Jonathan Demme, Peter Bogdanovich, and many more. Has a degree in industrial engineering from Stanford University.
Suggested Works: “The Pit and the Pendulum,” “The Little Shop of Horrors,” “The Raven”