Battle of the Directors - 70s

[shariqq]

[shariqq]

By popular demand (well, it was Rishi actually), here's a new Battle of Directors series.

So we all know the drill now.Shortlist 8 directors, pit them against each other and we decide who is our favorite amongst them!

The importance here is, we are looking at the 70s.

Critera: - the Director MUST have had ATLEAST 2 movies in the 70s (1970-1979) that received wide-release.

Simple, no frills, no too-many rules, nothing. So pick your Coppolas, Scorceses & Spielbergs for this competition and let's get it on!

*There will be one BIG change this time*, which will result in this going slower and more relaxed than our last piece. But that when we get to the next round. For now, vote for upto 3 directors you like, and assign them points totaling exactly 10.

Rules:
- Everyone HAS to vote within the timelimit. If you don't, your votes don't count. But be a sport and make it count!
- Don't try to manipulate the rankings/competition by voting based on a possible outcome/future. Vote on each honestly. We're trying to find a collective favorite here.
- Participate and enjoy the results!

[shariqq]

To help, I'm gonna throw in names here that'll help you consider:

Francis Ford Coppola
George Lucas
Steven Spielberg
Brian de Palma
Martin Scorsese
Roman Polanski
William Friedkin
Terrence Mallick
Stanley Kubrick
Sam Peckinpah
Robert Altman
Mike Nichols
Sidney Lumet
Woody Allen
Clint Eastwood

[ozzylogic]

Nice, but a tough one TBH!

[shariqq]

Yes, the last two exercises were warm-ups compared to this. This is the real deal!

[ayaa1977]

One would think it is a hard one, considering that the 70's was the golden decade for cinema and especially for directors, but after considering the options, it is not that hard, at least for myself. So here is my choices:

1. Francis Ford Coppola (4 Points): He belongs in the top of the list. Not only his films then defined the 70's cinema, they are among the best films of all time. With Godfather I&II, The Conversation, and Apocalypse Now. The sad thing is that he did peak then and never gained as much momentum subsequently.

2. Martin Scorsese (3 Points): Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, Ragging Bull (ok this 1980 but I assume it was conceived in the 70's). Anyway, I think these films speak for themselves.

3. Steven Spielberg (3 Points): The genius of commercial cinema who didn't compromise and found the way to balance commerciality and quality, and it all can be traced to his beginnings in the 70’s starting with Duel, Jaws and Close Encounter of the Third Kind. May be the 80’s was his reign, but he sure was one of the directors who shaped the 70’s.

One last note, George Lucas[/i] deserves a mention, not because he is a better director than any of the other mentioned in the previous post but didn't make it in mine , but because he is the visionary behind Star Wars, a film that revolutionize cinema as we know it now. He also directed two beloved films before it, THX 1138 and American Graffiti. Of course his infamous Prequels in for Star Wars ended up hated by almost everyone, but that is way down the road in the 90’s and the Odds, which mean we should not disqualify him from the 70’s Hall of Fame.  

[ozzylogic]

It's supposed to be 3, not 4!

[ayaa1977]

It's supposed to be 3, not 4!

My bad, did not read the **new rules**. It used to be you vote for as many as you like as long as you stick to the 10 points rule. I will rectify accordingly.

[shariqq]

It's supposed to be 3, not 4!

My bad, did not read the **new rules**. It used to be you vote for as many as you like as long as you stick to the 10 points rule. I will rectify accordingly.

Nope, was always max of 3 nominations per person.

[ayaa1977]

Nope, was always max of 3 nominations per person.

Really? I am getting so old I can't remember shit.

[shariqq]

Ok, this is indeed tough, not the least because there are SO MANY movies I have not watched!

Well, here are my votes:

1) Francis Ford Coppola - 3pts

It is probably blashphemy that I have not seen Godfather Part II and Apocalypse Now. He also made The Conversation in the same decade. But having watched The Godfather, really the most well-made movie I have ever seen, easily puts him right on top, among thebest of not just this decade, but all time.
Need to watch: The Godfather Part II and Apocalypse Now

2) Sidney Lumet - 3pts

A prolific director who made no less than 11 movies in this decade. Of them, I have seen two. Of them, one is good enough to rank this director among the best of the best:  Dog Day Afternoon. Arguably the best performance by Al Pacino (it certainly is my favourite, over Scarface and Godfather), the movie itself is a top-notch crime-drama, the likes of which hasn't been seen again. Murder on the Orient Express is perhaps the best Agatha Christie adaptation, and easily the best Poirot in Albert Finney. Again an excellent atmospheric mystery true to the author's legacy.
Need to watch: Serpico, Network

3) Steven Spielberg - 4pts

Even now, when I look into the side-view mirror of my car and see a TRUCK approaching, I get a pang of doubt. Going to the beach and seeing waves isn't a purely good and calming experience. And a UFO is a circular disc with police-car lights in my mind. Steven Spielberg has had such an effect on the psyche that imprints of his 70s movies last life-long. As good as Chinatown and Carrie and THX-1138 are, none have effected me more than Spielberg's movies.

[fizz]

Terrence Malick - 10 points.

Because he was perfect, unequaled and inimitable in the 70's (actually, still is).

[kaytee]

Terrence Malick - 10 points.

Because he was perfect, unequaled and inimitable in the 70's (actually, still is).

What a surprise

[kaytee]

I'll go with:

Steven Spielberg - 4 points - He started the concept of summer blockbusters and that is enough for him to get the top billing.

Francis Ford Coppola - 4 points. Though he has lost his way recently, he will forever be remembered for The Godfather.

Woody Allen - 2 points.

[shariqq]

Wow, no Polanski yet!