I admit it; I'm a "Game of Thrones" snob. I love telling people I read the books long before HBO got their hands on them. There's a certain allure to being first on the scene in that sense, like being the Lewis and Clark of nerd-culture. When it comes to entertainment, we all want to be gatekeepers within our respective circles. We all like to be on certain bandwagons before they get too crowded. So in case you're interested in that sort of thing (don't lie, you can't wait to whip out an obscure reference at the next cocktail party), here are three up-and-coming directors you should keep your eyes on.
Coogler, 29, has just two feature length credits to his name but, boy, what a way to start your career. "Fruitvale Station" tackled some heavy material without getting too preach-y and "Creed" serves as a step-by-step manual for any Hollywood studio looking to successfully reboot/continue a franchise. In both instances, Coogler effectively develops a central character from the ground up.
What's more impressive is his mastery of different tones. While both films deal with issues of race and identity, "Fruitvale Station" is a very serious adaptation of real-life events whereas "Creed" is a modern take on the classic "Rocky" story infused with a surprising amount of humor. One is an independent drama meant for a niche audience while the other is a highly enjoyable mainstream affair.
Coogler will get a wider introduction to casual moviegoers with Marvel's upcoming "Black Panther," a big step up for the talented young director.
Comparison: Colin Trevorrow
I can't tell if Carruth is a pretentious hipster or a mad scientist genius in the mold of Doc Brown.
Another director with just two credits to his name, Carruth is most definitely not a guy you've heard a lot about. His two movies - "Primer" and "Upstream Color" - are so utterly weird and out there that you can't be blamed if you've A) never heard of them or B) seen them and have no clue what the hell is going on. You come out of Carruth's films feeling like you've just taken the SAT and ACT back-to-back.
And yet there is something undeniably magnetic about Carruth's work. It's wholly original and unlike anything else out there. All of that singularity flows out of Carruth as he serves as actor, writer, director, producer, composer and editor (like I said, mad scientist genius). He delivers mind-bending non-linear narratives that challenge audiences to keep up (you won't).
He'll have to reign it in a bit for his next project, "The Modern Ocean," his first big budget mainstream blockbuster. But no doubt it will still carry that signature Carruth mania.
Comparison: Christopher Nolan
From "Shotgun Stories," to "Take Shelter" and "Mud," Nichols' films all have one specific through line: lost souls. Of course, each film deals with different stories and events, but many of his main characters feel like they're searching for something. Maybe it's meaning and purpose, maybe it's something else entirely. But there's definitely an innate human element to his movies which I can't help but enjoy.
Unlike other directors, Nichols is able to seamlessly marry real life concerns with extreme plot hooks. Had someone described the story of "Mud" for me before I saw it - Matthew McConaughey plays a wanted drifter who takes two young boys under his wing - I would have taken a hard pass. Instead, Nichols delivers an excellent examination of human nature in both big and small situations.
Perhaps that is why I am so excited for his upcoming film, "Midnight Special." A sci-fi drama, "Midnight Special" will be Nichols' biggest film to date and certainly worth checking out.
Comparison: Terrence Malick
