Five movie picks that will tell all

Lori, Cleveland OH — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:43:55 GMT

I'm glad you chose "Jackie Brown" because I think that movie is vastly underrated. And it's just so good. Pam Grier and Robert Forster were brilliant in that movie. They gave us two characters who were believable and heartbreaking - but you rooted for them and wanted to see them pull off this improbable theft. More than that, you wanted to see them go off in the sunset together and live happily ever after. SPOILER ALERT: the fact that you don't just breaks your heart. SPOILERS OVER. I highly recommend this film to anybody, even if they aren't Tarantino fans.

Five movie picks that will tell all

Pat Hill, Janesville, WI — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:46:10 GMT

As far as the Cohen brothers are concerned, I have a tough time choosing. I own 2 of their movies "Miller's Crossing" and "Fargo". I love "Fargo". It has the seriousness of "Miller's Crossing" with the humor of "Raising Arizona". Wes Anderson, it's simple, "Rushmore". Scorsese, another tough one, but I lean towards "Goodfellas", perhaps because of Joe Pesci's performance. I really protest "Jackie Brown" for Tarantino. "Resevoir Dogs" is great on so many levels. The opening credits are so cool. The opening scene of dialogue at the diner, is the best group scene ever. It has all these different conversations happening at once. Michael Madsen is a monster in that film. Steve Buscemi is incredible. It doesn't make the discussion? You can't be serious.

One director that doesn't get talked about, but has an excellent body of work, is Michael Mann. I can't decide between "Thief" and "Heat".

Five movie picks that will tell all

Josh, Washington DC — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:48:42 GMT

Coens - No Country for Old Med (runner up: Barton Fink)
Anderson - Rushmore (by default...not one of my favorite directors)
Ashby - Being There (haven't seen any others)
Scorsese - Raging Bull (runner up: Taxi Driver. Third place: Goodfellas)
Tarantino - Pulp Fiction (runner up: Kill Bill vol 1 & 2)

These are just my initial gut reaction picks.

Five movie picks that will tell all

Wayne Witherell — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:55:25 GMT

Coen Brothers - Fargo
Hal Ashby - Being There
Wes Anderson - Rushmore
Martin Scorsese - Raging Bull
Quentin Tarantino - Pulp Fiction
Almodovar - Women on the Verge....and All About My Mother
Terrence Malik - Days of Heaven

Five movie picks that will tell all

Karen Walker, New York, NY — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:01:48 GMT

coen brothers: blood simple (the man who wasn't there, runner up)
hal ashby: shampoo (harold and maude, runner up)
wes anderson: rushmore
martin scorsese: raging bull (goodfellas, runner up)
quentin tarantino: reservoir dogs (jackie brown, runner up)

Five movie picks that will tell all

knice, OP Kansas — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:03:27 GMT

Interesting exercise, however, the author just demonstrated that she continually likes the worst things that anyone does. All of the movies that she picked were the least interesting/objectively worst movies by the aforementioned great directors (except Rushmore).

Come on, Blood Simple and this was by far the worst JACKIE BROWN. JACKIE BROWN was easily Quentin's worst movie.

My list
Coen Brothers: Big L, O Brother
Wes Anderson: Royal Tenenbaums, Life Aquatic (both brilliant)
Scorse: Goodfellas
Hal Ashby: Who in the hell is Hal Ashby (Harold and Maude??????)
Quentin: Tie Pulp Fiction/Reservoir Dogs

Five movie picks that will tell all

Marcus F., Peoria, IL — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:25:19 GMT

Coens - Raising Arizona followed by Big Lebowski
Wes Anderson - Royal Tenenbaums followed by Life Aquatic
Scorsese - Goodfellas followed by The Departed
Ashby- haven't seen any of his movies
Tarantino - Pulp Fiction followed by Reservoir Dogs - hoping for a great Inglourious Basterds

Five movie picks that will tell all

Lindsay, Jacksonville FL — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:26:31 GMT

knice is the only person to give any credit to The Big Lebowski? tsk tsk

Coens: Big Lebowski, Man Who Wasn't There
Anderson: Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore
Scorse: Last Temptation, Aviator (the only role I like DiCaprio in)
Ashby: Haven't seen enough to give an opinion
Tarantino: Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction

I feel Tarantino is highly over rated and does not belong on this list. No one likes the whiz kid PTA? His films run circles endlessly around Tarantino's

Five movie picks that will tell all

Erik (Mechanicsburg, PA) — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:45:06 GMT

You guys blew it on Wes Anderson and Quentin Tarantino.

Anderson - "The Royal Tenenbaums"
Tarantino - "Pulp Fiction"

Five movie picks that will tell all

Taj Engle — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 15:59:28 GMT

Sad. I have to agree with KNISE though. The author continually demonstrates she'd rather be watching a repeat of The Holiday or something and knows nothing in regards to quality movies.

Coens: Raising Arizona/No Country (tied because they are so different...this shows the directors (who are also the writers) have a LOT of talent across a broad range). I'd slip Fargo and Big L tied as runner up.
Anderson: Rushmore (because all the others, especially Darjeeling, are crap).
Scorcese: Can he direct a movie without the F word? Curious. Overrated at best. And people wonder why he's never won an oscar. Ahem, I digress: Goodfellas. There is no runner up.
Ashby: who? lolz. The Last Detail, no runner up.
Tarantino: good writer, overrated director. Pulp Fiction (c'mon, it did win the Oscar). as writer: True Romance, Natural Born Killers.

my 2 cents.

Five movie picks that will tell all

Bryan Williams Dayton, Ohio — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:00:44 GMT

Coen Brothers: Tie Fargo/No Country for Old Men It's just about inpmossible not to like the characters in Fargo or the truly cold demonic like presence of Javier Bardem's Chigur in No Country.
Wes Anderson: Not really a fan of any of his movies so my least objectional is Bottle Rocket.
Hal Ashby: Hands Down, "The Last Detail"!
Martin Scorcese: Tie GoodFellas/Raging Bull
Quentin Tarrantino Pulp Fiction and very,very close runner up Resevoir Dogs. I agree with Pat Hill in WI that the conversation in the diner is an absolutely classic scene! I also have to give an honorable mention to True Romance for it's colorful characters, gratuitous violence, and again the Tarrantino dialogue.

Five movie picks that will tell all

Erin, Indianapolis, Indiana — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:01:28 GMT

Coens - "Raising Arizona", a most delightful and bizarre comedy. Nicholas Cage and Holly Hunter both shine.
Anderson - "The Royal Tenenbaums", same reason as above. He's not my favorite director though.
Ashby - "Harold and Maude", offbeat, sweet comedy though the love scenes make me feel squicky.
Scorsese - "Goodfellas", compelling story, greatly written characters.
Tarantino - "Pulp Fiction", slick, fast-paced, funny, quirky, no-holds barred, and fearless.

Five movie picks that will tell all

Naomi, Arlington, TX — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:09:40 GMT

Coen Brothers - The Big Lebowski/O, Brother Where Art Thou? - Nothing beats Jeff Bridges in a bath robe and sandals walking around with a White Russian asking to be addressed as "The Dude" and calling everyone "man." For "O,Brother" I have only one thing to say, "I'm a Dapper Dan man!"

Wes Anderson - though I'm not a huge Anderson fan, "Bottle Rocket" is genius.

Hal Ashby - Shampoo... 'nuff said.

Marty Scorsese - Raging Bull is a classic but tied in likeability with "The Departed"

Quentin Tarantino - my favorite bit of Tarantino directing is actually "The Man from Hollywood" segment in "Four Rooms." But, as far as entire films are concerned, I'd definitely have to say "Pulp Fiction."

Five movie picks that will tell all

Michael M, Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:09:52 GMT

Coens- The Hudsucker Proxy (You know... for the kids!)
Wes Anderson- Bottle Rocket (everything after has been a thematic retread)
Hal Ashby- Being There (one of the greatest films ever made!)
Martin Scorcese- GoodFellas (just too sweeping, epic and alive)
Quentin Tarantino- True Romance (I know he didn't direct it, that's why it's his best. When he directs his own work, he just gets so self-indulgent...)

Five movie picks that will tell all

Erin, Indianapolis, Indiana — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:21:40 GMT

Am I the only one who HATED "The Big Lebowski"?

Five movie picks that will tell all

Sean Keeton, Houston, Texas — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:26:21 GMT

COEN BROS.: BIG LEBOWSKI - because the dude abides and because John Goodman cracks me up in that role
ANDERSON: ROYAL TENENBAUMS - great look at family disfunction and gives everyone involved a chance to shine
ASHBY: THE LAST DETAIL - excellent Nicholson flick that also proves beyond a doubt that Randy "cousin eddie" Quaid is also a great dramatic actor
SCORCESE: GOODFELLAS - looks incredible in blu ray and even on the tube I can't resist it if I catch it on (plus I've always cut my garlic with a razor blade ever since)
QT: JACKIE BROWN - because it's his most intimate, least "pop" film, because it's one of the best screen adaptations of my fav writer Elmore Leonard, and because Pam Grier is still F-I-N-E!

Five movie picks that will tell all

Nate, San Antonio, Texas — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:27:21 GMT

Coens - Millers Crossing then O Brother
Anderson - Royal Tannenbaums then Rushmore
Ashby - Being There then Harold & Maude
Scorsese - Raging Bull then Goodfellas
Tarantino - Pulp Fiction then Jackie Brown
also add directors:
PT Anderson - Magnolia then There Will be Blood
John Carpenter - Big Trouble in Little China then The Thing
Wong Kar Wai - Fallen Angles then Chunking Express
Tim Burton - Ed Wood then PeeWees Big Adv.
Michael Mann - Heat then Manhunter
Jean Junet - Amelie then Delicatessen

Five movie picks that will tell all

J, Portland, OR — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:06:21 GMT

Coen Brothers: Fargo, The Big Lebowski
Wes Anderson: Rushmore, runner up The Royal Tenenbaums
Scorse: Raging Bull, runner up Goodfellas
Hal Ashby: Harold and Maude
Tarantino: Jackie Brown, runner up Reservoir Dogs

Five movie picks that will tell all

Annie, Houston, Texas — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:09:51 GMT

Tarantino: I share the Jackie Brown love. I've probably seen it 20 times since it was released.

Anderson: I guess Rushmore. I didn't care much for Bottle Rocket (Texas heresy! But still.) and somehow never saw The Royal Tenenbaums of The Life Aquatic.

Coens: Tough to pick -- I think it just depends on my mood. I've seen O Brother, Where Art Thou the most times, and I'm a sucker for a good musical.

Scorcese: The Last Temptation of Christ, followed closely by Goodfellas.

My biggest revelation from this exercise is realizing that I never saw The Last Detail or Shampoo. To Netflix! So I guess my Ashby choice is Harold & Maude.

Five movie picks that will tell all

Jeff Rockton, Illinois — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:13:26 GMT

C'Mon Taj. If you are going to bash someone on their choice of movies, you better have all of your facts straight. Scorsese won his Oscar for The Departed.

Five movie picks that will tell all

Michelle S, Portland, OR — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:47:29 GMT

Interesting way to look into a person's character.
My picks (tell):

Coen Bros: Fargo, a great film that combines humor, intense drama and action. Runner up: No Country
Anderson: Rushmore, I have to admit, I don't know any of his other work; but I did somewhat like Rushmore for the subtle humor.
Ashby: Harold and Maude, another director I'm not real familiar with.
Scorsese: The Departed, Tough to choose just one, but this is by far one of my favorites, full of just enough drama and action mixed together. Runner up: Goodfellas
Tarantino: Kill Bill Vol 1, I love the humor and fight sequences; not to mention a kick-ass lead - Uma Thurman. Runner up: Pulp Fiction [nearly a tie]

Five movie picks that will tell all

J. Thompson, Missouri — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:59:03 GMT

Ashby - Shampoo
Anderson - The Life Aquatic
Coen Bros. - O Brother, Where Art Thou
Scorcese - Goodfellas
Tarantino - Jackie Brown

Five movie picks that will tell all

Rich, St Paul MN — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:59:43 GMT

Coens: Fargo, Blood Simple
Scorcese: King of Comedy (am I really the only one?!), Taxi Driver
Wes Anderson: Rushmore, Royal Tennenbaums (Life Aquatic was unwatchable)
Ashby: Coming Home, Being There
Tarantino: Pulp Fiction, Resevoir Dogs

Five movie picks that will tell all

Len Darcy, Arvada, Colorado — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:04:49 GMT

Coen Brothers

The Big Lebowski is my Coen Brothers all time favorite – so far. Every Character is spot on, the mixing of fantasy and absurdity is perfect, and there are just so many quotable lines….The Dude Abides. I have to admit the comedy or the Coen’s rank higher on my lists.
Runner Up: (tie) Hudsucker Proxy, Raising Arizona.

Wes Anderson

His movies have a visual style but I never seem to connect. Best would be Bottle Rocket, Worst The Life Aquatic.

Hal Ashby

Hands down, Harold and Maude. First film that I ever noticed the marriage of popular songs to the heart of the movie. So many moments that make you go…wow. The Nazi POW tattoo, The Jag-hearse, Harold’s Uncle…the list goes on.
Runner up: Bound for Glory – a forgotten masterpiece.

Martin Scorsese

What a hard choice. I love Casino and Goodfellas, Raging Bull Rocks, and I have a soft spot for the Last Waltz. But, I think his most overlooked film in The Last Temptation of Christ. I had to go WAY out of my way to even see this film. And it does not disappoint.
Runner Up: His Kodak Commercial……

Quentin Tarantino

Where do I begin? I love all of his movies and watch them regularly. I would have to agree the Jackie Brown is my favorite. It has the skewed timeline that makes Pulp Fiction, the best representation of the “Genre” it is mimicking (blaxploitation), great performances and killer soundtrack.

Runner up: Kill Bill – a guilty pleasure and I wish he would release the original 3 hour+ version before he busted it up into part 1 and 2. Michael Parks saying “Ah, the pussy died” slays me every time.

Five movie picks that will tell all

DL Parish, Gaylord MI — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:05:32 GMT

Donnie Darko - Richard Kelly
Chungking Express - Wong Kar Wai
8 1/2 - Fellini

Five movie picks that will tell all

Mike C — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:08:06 GMT

Would someone please tell me what's so funny about Raising Arizona? I love good comedies, but I thought that movie was really lame.

Five movie picks that will tell all

Taj Engle — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:24:47 GMT

C'mon Jeff, if you're gonna bash someone about movies that win Oscars, they should at LEAST win an Oscar for an ORIGINAL movie. Scorcese stole the script from the Asian film "Infernal Affairs", a far better direction and far better film, and thrashed it to yet another violent, language ridden romp of the same 'ol same 'ol with faceless one dimensional characters. So, kudos to you for the correction, but kudos to me for knowing the difference. That goes for anyone who won for a remake, not just Scorcese. :D Cheers!

Five movie picks that will tell all

Sara, Chicago, IL — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:53:44 GMT

Coen Brothers: Fargo definitely, great dark humor

Anderson: The Royal Tenenbaums, and the Life Aquatic as a runner-up

Tarintino: so difficult but Reservoir Dogs and a tie between Kill Bill and Pulp Fiction

Five movie picks that will tell all

Rob, Phoenix, AZ — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:39:11 GMT

OMG!!! These are arguably the worst directors on the planet. The only Director who made any movies I liked is Scorsese and he hasn't put out a decent movie in years.

Five movie picks that will tell all

Kathleen, Washington, DC — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:39:40 GMT

Coen Brothers -- I don't see their films

Wes Anderson -- I don't see his films

Hal Ashby -- best underrated, forgotten director: The Last Detail is his masterpiece, runner up: Being There

Martin Scorsese -- The Last Temptation of Christ (his greatest masterpiece), followed by runners up: Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, Mean Streets, Goodfellas, Who's That Knocking at My Door, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Life Lessons from New York Stories, New York, New York (all in that order)

Quentin Taratino -- I can't stand him

Five movie picks that will tell all

Lyntegra, California — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 20:40:35 GMT

Like some people that asked about "Raising Arizona" (which I think is way over rated), why does everyone freak out about how great Tarantino is?

I hate that guy, have never enjoyed any of his movies, and have never gotten the whole adoration thing. I studied film in college, and everyone swore he was the greatest, except the one teacher I actually respected.

Spike Lee is a much better, much more poignent and more creative director. He should be on the list.

The only thing I can tell about a Tarantino fan is that I'm probably going to think that they are pretensious wierdos after about 5 minutes of conversation. Robert Rodriguez is much better that Tarantino, in every aspect.

Anyway Here's my answer

Coen's : O Brother
Anderson: Rushmore (only because I've never seen or wanted to see more).
Hal Ashby?: I've heard of Harold and Maude, but never seen any of his stuff. So, can't pick.
Scorcese: Taxi Driver, and The Departed. Both have that rare quality that allows me to watch them over and over and not hate the movie.

Tarantino... the only time I've ever liked him, is when he's killed in Grindhouse:Planet Terror. But I've already stated that opinion

Five movie picks that will tell all

Kurt, Roeland Park, KS — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:12:33 GMT

Coens: 'Fargo', 'Barton Fink'
Anderson: 'The Darjeeling Limited', 'The Royal Tenenbaums'
Scorcese: 'Goodfellas', 'Raging Bull'
Ashby: 'Being There', 'Harold and Maude'
Tarantino: 'Jackie Brown', 'Kill Bill Vol. 2'

I'm so glad you mentioned Terrence Malick! Easily one of the best directors working today. These two are my two favorites of his, and too close to call: 'The New World' , then 'Badlands'

And while we're at it, what about PT Anderson? 'Magnolia', then 'There Will Be Blood' or 'Hard Eight'.

Five movie picks that will tell all

Dan, Issaquah, WA — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:24:49 GMT

Hal Ashby: Coming Home
Scorcese: tie-Raging Bull & Taxi Driver
Woody Allen: Hannah & Her Sisters, 2nd is Manhattan
Spike Lee: Do the Right Thing
Almodovar: Law of Desire
Fellini: La Strada
DeSica: Umberto D'
Kurosawa: tie-Ikiru & The Hidden Fortress

Five movie picks that will tell all

Arpymo, Bflo, NY — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 21:57:12 GMT

Coen Bros--Fargo (I always laugh at Steve Buscemi giggling when the hooded Jean Lundegaard falls in the snow while attempting escape. Runner up--The Big Lebowski Worst--No Country for Old Men. Don't know what the big deal was, Oscar notwithstanding.
Anderson--Charmed by the Royals, Runner up-Rushmore Worst- Life Aquatic
Scorcese-Goodfellas, RU-Taxi Driver Worst-Age of Innocence, but I didn't see the whole thing because I fell asleep
Ashby-Shampoo, RU-Being There (it was close), haven't seen a bad Ashby movie
QT-KILL BILLs!! Epic! RU-Pulp Fiction. QT can't make a bad movie, Film School.

Five movie picks that will tell all

danielle, bloomington, in — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 04:17:27 GMT

cohen bros-fargo because it managed to be so many different things at once and really hilighted their unique style and all of it is so amazing.
anderson-the royal tenenbaums which is hilarious and yet very sad and poignant at the same time. plus it contains one of the best depressing scenes (richie attempts suicide while "needle in the hay" plays) and then goes into one of the funnier scenes in the movie (in the most dry and absurd way of course). Plus, everyone in the movie is amazing.
scorcese-i am not a big fan of his so ive only seen his more recent stuff and am going to believe his better stuff came much much earlier.
ashby-harold and maude because even all these years later it is funny, sad and completely unique and believable despite the gross/weird concept filled with things that shouldnt work but they totally do (repeated suicide attempts)
qt-resevoir dogs. amazing fully established his style and vision, both of which he has in spades.

Five movie picks that will tell all

Hannah, Lynchburg, VA — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:13:59 GMT

Coen Brothers: O Brother, Runner-up: Burn After Reading
Wes Anderson: The Royal Tenenbaums, (oh-so-close)Runner-up: Rushmore
Hal Ashby: Harold and Maude's the only one I'm familiar with
Martin Scorcese: I know Taxi Driver is a classic, but I honestly loved The Departed
Quentin Tarantino: Used to be Pulp Fiction, but after watching the Kill Bill epic, it has won my heart.

To answer your question about The Big Lebowski, Erin, no. I DESPISE that movie with every fiber of my being. I think it is the only film I have ever stopped watching because I was SO thoroughly annoyed by one of the characters. I wanted bash my head off of a wall and jump out of a third story window to get away from John Goodman. He was THAT obnoxious.

Five movie picks that will tell all

Joe,Tucson,Arizona — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:50:42 GMT

Coens -raising arizona
Ashby - not familuar with his work
Scorsese - casino
Tarantino -pulp fiction
anderson-life aquatic

Five movie picks that will tell all

Andrea, San Antonio, TX — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 20:06:19 GMT

Coen Bros: O' Brother - hands down. Runner up: Fargo.
Ashby: Being There. Runner up: The Last Detail
Anderson: Rushmore. The Life Aquatic was HORRIBLE!!
Scorsese: GoodFellas. Runner up: Raging Bull
Tarantino: Reservoir Dogs (I love the argument Steve Buscemi has about being called "Mr. Pink"). Runner up: Pulp Fiction

Five movie picks that will tell all

Paul, Mpls, MN — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:02:16 GMT

Coens-- Raising Arizona
Ashby-- Coming Home
Scorsese-- Cape Fear
Tarantino-- Jackie Brown
Anderson-- Royal Tenenbaums

Five movie picks that will tell all

gregg murphy,birmingham,al. — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 22:55:40 GMT

coens- fargo; followed by miller's crossing
ashby- shampoo;barely edges out being there,coming home
scorsese- goodfellas;BUT-raging bull is brilliant
tarantino- pulp fiction
anderson- RUSHMORE!!!! BY A MILE

Five movie picks that will tell all

Bill (aka Might Thor!) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 09:03:13 GMT

Whoa!! Slow down guys! I see directors comin' at me from all angles! Sticking to the point...
1) Coen Bros. - "Miller's Crossing" (acting, sound & visual - and soundtrack ("Danny Boy" played to a Tommygun shootout!!)) AND "Raising Arizona" (acting and FUNNY).
2) Wes Anderson - Like you, not a huge fan. Loved "Rushmore" because it was so dry. 'Nuf said.
3) Hal Ashby - I forgot he did "Shampoo"; I need to watch that again. I like "Harold & Maude", and the "The Last Detail" is classic. You forget "Bound for Glory"?!?! But "Being There" is in my all-time Top 10!!
4) Martin Scorcese - This is obviously the hardest one! "Mean Streets"! Then: "Raging Bull", "The Departed", "Gangs of New York", "Goodfellas", "The King of Comedy", "The Last Waltz", "After Hours",...!!
5) Quentin Tarantino - Sadly, in almost 20 years of making movies, we don't have much to chose from. But they are classics! "Pulp Fiction"!! Then "Reservoir Dogs"! Nice chatting with you all.