These directors "went to films" rather than film school!
While some argue that film school may not be a necessary investment, it's crucial to acknowledge that accomplished filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, George Lucas, and Chloé Zhao found success through attending film school. Nonetheless, perfecting one's skills and studying the arts from experienced professionals remains a reasonable goal for aspiring filmmakers. Despite this, there are stalwarts who excelled in the craft without a formal film school education. Who are they? Keep reading to find out!
Renowned for his versatility, Stanley Kubrick is celebrated worldwide for his diverse directorial repertoire spanning various genres. From the horror classic The Shining to the visionary sci-fi epic 2001: A Space Odyssey and the visually stunning period drama Barry Lyndon, Kubrick's impact resonates with audiences and critics alike. Even after not attending film school, Kubrick's impressive and highly influential filmography places him among the greatest directors of all time. As Kubrick once stated, "The best education in film is to make one," reiterating the significance of hands-on experience in the craft.
Renowned for his iconic films such as Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Reservoir Dogs, Quentin Tarantino is celebrated for his distinct style characterised by non-linear narratives, wide shots, black humour, and intense violence. Similar to Wes Anderson, Quentin Tarantino serves as the writer for all his movies. Despite lacking formal film school education, Tarantino, a self-professed cinephile, immersed himself in cinema from a young age. Working in cinemas and video stores, he drew inspiration for his acclaimed works. In Tarantino's words, "I went to films," emphasising his deep passion for cinema as the driving force behind his exceptional filmmaking career.
You might assume that the creators of Titanic and Avatar, two of the highest-grossing films ever, would have studied film, but James Cameron, a Canadian filmmaker, defies that expectation. Known for his expansive vision and groundbreaking special effects, Cameron holds the distinction of directing the first two films to surpass $2 billion worldwide.Despite his success, he opted against attending film school, preferring to learn from the movies he loved. This unconventional approach underscores Cameron's unique path to becoming one of the world's most influential figures in cinema.
Paul Thomas Anderson has been captivating audiences with his exceptional films from the outset of his career. The presence of three-time Academy Award winner Daniel Day-Lewis in multiple Anderson films speaks volumes about the quality of his work. Known for his portrayal of flawed characters, Anderson's films are distinguished by their depth, complexity, and thought-provoking themes. Despite briefly attending New York University, Anderson's experience with film school was less than ideal, as he dropped out after just two days!
Wes Anderson's distinct style is unmistakable, characterised by washed-out colours, symmetrical compositions, and eccentric characters. Significantly, he assumes the roles of both director and writer for all his films, with acclaimed works like The Grand Budapest Hotel and Fantastic Mr. Fox highlighting his creative genius. His last project, Asteroid City, features an ensemble cast, adding to his impressive filmography. Anderson's journey began as a philosophy major, but his filmmaking career took off after collaborating with Owen Wilson on a short film. Their shared passion for cinema, cultivated at the University of Texas, led to a fruitful partnership and numerous cinematic achievements.
The level of craft these directors have portrayed through their works goes to their mastery without academic training. While it is still tough to decide whether an aspiring filmmaker should opt out of film school, if they don’t want to, these director careers can be studied.
