There are just some names in the film industry that when they are involved in a production you just know it will be a movie that you will watch for sure. Some of these people might be well know already by most people and some might not be just yet. It always seems that actors get more recognition with the general public, but a lot of the time its the crew that make a good movie a great movie. So I thought it would be nice to have an appreciation thread for filmmakers that we enjoy. You can list why you like their work, what are your favourite movies they have made or up coming projects they are working on - anything goes really

For me I really enjoy Baz Luhrmann's work (Moulin Rouge, Australia, The Great Gatsby...etc). There is a lot of emotion that is conveyed in his movies with the writing, direction, music, acting… everything. His style isn't for everyone, but I believe that his films have a true quality to them and there is so much meaning and thought put into the process. He is easily my favourite filmmaker.

I also hold Ridley Scott in high regard. The man gave use Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator and Hannibal, He has had some "meh" movies, but in general I like most of the work he directs or produces.

The Wachowski's for The Matrix Trilogy, V for Vendetta, Cloud Atlas. I just love that their work leaves you questioning things you wouldn't normal think about. I was obsessed with the Matrix movies for some time and still find stuff I missed on Cloud Atlas each time I watch it. The upcoming Jupiter Ascending looks like its going to be a must watch as well Can't wait for it to come out!

Well thats just a start of my list... will add more when I have had time to think on it.

So what are your favourite film-makers?

Great topic btw - fully agree with Ridley Scott would also add ...

Coen brothers - Fargo, Big Lebowski, Miller's Crossing, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, No Country For Old Men and on and on ....

David Fincher - Seven, Fight Club etc.

Clint Eastwood - Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby, A Perfect World etc ..

Christopher Nolan - Memento and Insomnia must see films.

Plus my guilty pleasures David Lynch and Tim Burton (both have hits and misses).

EDIT: plus Hayao Miyazaki!

EDIT 2: Alexander Payne - Election, About Schmidt, Sideways etc.

I am adding David Fincher to my list! Never realised what he worked on. A lot of his movies I love.

Agree with you on Tim Burton and Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki is my fav anime movie creator and Burton makes some great stuff and also some duds. His older movies (Batman, Edward Scissor hands and NBX) are excellent.

I'll need to check out more from Alexander Payne. I liked the Descendants a lot and see he did that.

What is David Lynch known for?

I guess he would be most famous for Twin Peaks but check out Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet etc. Very surreal WTF films but Twin Peaks would be the most accessible starting point plus of course the Dune film.

If you liked Descendants you will really, really like Election and About Schmidt ...