Early Flashes of Genius
Below is a list of lesser-known films made by now-famous movie directors early in their careers. Which of them would you most like to see?
Discuss the list here
* Full-length, theatrical films only
Discuss the list here
* Full-length, theatrical films only
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19 titles
- DirectorTod WilliamsStarsAdrian GrenierClark GreggAleksa PalladinoIn June, 1983, in Dutchess County, New York, Sebastian Cole joins his mother, step-father, and sister for dinner. Hank, Sebastian's step-father, drops a bomb: he announces he's changing sexes. Sebastian's sister splits immediately for California, and his mother takes him back to England. Jump ahead eight months, Sebastian is back in New York, knocking on Hank's door. Hank (now Henrietta, although all the surgeries aren't complete) takes Sebastian in and is his rock over the next few months of high school. Sebastian's "adventures" are mostly self-destructive.First film written and directed by Tod Williams
- DirectorJane CampionStarsKerry FoxAlexia KeoghKaren FergussonJanet Frame was a brilliant child who, as a teen, was misdiagnosed with schizophrenia. Explore Janet's discovery of the world and her life in Europe as her books are published to acclaim.Second film directed by Jane Campion
- DirectorJames FoleyStarsSean PennChristopher WalkenMary Stuart MastersonReunited with his career criminal father, tough teen Brad thinks he's found his ticket to an exciting life of crime, only to find out he's wrong.Second film directed by James Foley
- DirectorIain SoftleyStarsStephen DorffSheryl LeeIan HartA dramatization of the Hamburg, Germany phase of The Beatles' early history.First film written and directed by Iain Softley
- DirectorMichael ShowalterStarsMichael ShowalterElizabeth BanksPeter DinklageIn the style of a Howard Hawks comedy, Baxter follows the twists and turns of a young man's life during the two weeks before his wedding.First film written and directed by Michael Showalter
- DirectorJohn SaylesStarsJoe MortonDaryl EdwardsRosanna CarterA mute alien with the appearance of a black human is chased by outer-space bounty hunters through the streets of Harlem.Fourth film written and directed by John Sayles
- DirectorAlexander PayneStarsLaura DernSwoosie KurtzMary Kay PlaceAn irresponsible, drug-addicted, recently impregnated woman finds herself in the middle of an abortion debate when both parties attempt to sway her to their respective sides.First film written and directed by Alexander Payne
- DirectorMartin RittStarsJohn CassavetesSidney PoitierJack WardenThe growing friendship of two NYC longshoremen is threatened by a notably repellent punk.First film directed by Martin Ritt
- DirectorAdrian LyneStarsJodie FosterCherie CurrieMarilyn KaganA group of four teenage girls come of age in the asphalt desert of Los Angeles' San Fernando Valley arranged with a blazing soundtrack and endless drinking, drugs and sex.First film directed by Adrian Lyne
- DirectorDavid Gordon GreenStarsCandace EvanofskiDonald HoldenDamian Jewan LeeA group of children, in a depressed small town, band together to cover up a tragic mistake one summer.First film written and directed by David Gordon Green
- DirectorJames MangoldStarsPruitt Taylor VinceLiv TylerShelley WintersThe life of an overweight, unhappy cook is changed after a kind, beautiful college drop-out comes to work as a waitress at his and his mother's road-side restaurant.First film written and directed by James Mangold
- DirectorSteven SoderberghStarsJesse BradfordJeroen KrabbéLisa EichhornA young boy struggles on his own in a run-down hotel after his parents and younger brother are separated from him in 1930s Depression-era Midwest.Third film written and directed by Steven Soderbergh
- DirectorGillian ArmstrongStarsJudy DavisSam NeillWendy HughesA proud young woman in early 20th century Australia must choose between marriage and independence.First film directed by Gillian Armstrong
- DirectorGillies MacKinnonStarsAlbert FinneyAidan QuinnRobin WrightA young woman, Tara Maguire (Robin Wright) scandalizes her provincial Irish village in the 1950s by having a baby out of wedlock, and refusing to name the father. She has a rare beauty and every man in town desires her, especially Sergeant Hegarty (Albert Finney). The arrival of a dramatic troupe stirs things up even more, especially when she falls in love with one of the "Playboys", Tom Casey (Aidan Quinn).First film directed by Gillies MacKinnon
- DirectorKen LoachStarsTerence StampCarol WhiteJohn BindonA young woman lives a life full of bad choices. At a young age she has a baby by an abusive thief who quickly lands in prison. When her son goes missing, she gets to grips with what is most important to her.First film written and directed by Ken Loach
- DirectorJeff NicholsStarsMichael ShannonDouglas LigonBarlow JacobsSet in Arkansas, this poetic and powerful film directed by Jeff Nichols (Mud, Take Shelter) tracks a blood feud that erupts when two sets of half-brothers come to blows at their father's funeral.First film written and directed by Jeff Nichols
- DirectorMike FiggisStarsMelanie GriffithTommy Lee JonesStingA crooked American businessman tries to push the shady influential owner of a nightclub in Newcastle, England to sell him the club. The club's new employee and the American's ex lover fall in love and inadvertently stir the pot.First film written and directed by Mike Figgis
- DirectorAng LeeStarsSihung LungLai WangBozhao WangAll the while, Master Chu tries to find his place in the foreign American world.First film written and directed by Ang Lee
- DirectorNicole HolofcenerStarsCatherine KeenerAnne HecheAmy BravermanJust as Amelia thinks she's over her anxiety and insecurity, her best friend announces her engagement, bringing her anxiety and insecurity right back.First film written and directed by Nicole Holofcener