Films about movie directors

Movie selections

Films About Movie Directors

Films about movie directors typically explore the lives, careers, and creative processes of renowned filmmakers. These films offer a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, triumphs, and personal experiences of directors, shedding light on the art of filmmaking and the impact of their work on the industry.

“Hitchcock”, 2012

Director: Sacha Gervasi

films about movie directors - Hitchcock

This biographical drama delves into the life of legendary filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, focusing on his relationship with his wife and collaborator, Alma Reville, during the making of “Psycho.”

Starring: Anthony Hopkins, Helen Mirren, Scarlett Johansson, Toni Collette, Danny Huston, Jessica Biel, Michael Stuhlbarg, Michael Wincott, James D'Arcy, Richard Portnow, Kurtwood Smith, Ralph Macchio, Kai Lennox, Tara Summers, Wallace Langham, Paul Schackman, Currie Graham, Spencer Garrett, Terry Rhoads, Tom Virtue, Karina Deyko, Steven Lee Allen, Richard Chassler, Frank Collison, Melinda Chilton, Mary Anne McGarry, Jon Abrahams, Gil McKinney, Emma Julia Jacobs, Spencer Leigh, Sean MacPherson, Gerald Casale, Tara Arroyave, Judith Hoag, Josh Yeo, Danielle Burgio, John Lacy, Howard Gibson, Josette Prevost, Lauren Stewart, Jaehne Moebius, Ana Matallana, Lindsey Ginter, Paul Henderson, Kay Henderson, Lisa Marie Boiko, Richard Burns, Meredith Claire, Alexia DuBasso, Jonn Faircrest;
Production year: 2012;
Genre: drama, biography, history;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 98 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,8;

More information about the film “Hitchcock” on the website imdb.com

“Ed Wood”, 1994

Director: Tim Burton

films about movie directors - Ed Wood

Tim Burton's comedic biopic portrays the eccentric filmmaker Ed Wood, known for creating cult classic films such as “Plan 9 from Outer Space” despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks.

Starring: Johnny Depp, Martin Landau, Sarah Jessica Parker, Patricia Arquette, Jeffrey Jones, Bill Murray, Mike Starr, G.D. Spradlin, George «The Animal» Steele, Lisa Marie, Vincent D'Onofrio, Max Casella, Brent Hinkley, Juliet Landau, Clive Rosengren, Norman Alden, Leonard Termo, Ned Bellamy, Danny Dayton, Ross Manarchy, Bill Cusack, Aaron Nelms, Biff Yeager, Joseph R. Gannascoli, Carmen Filpi, Lisa Malkiewicz, Melora Walters, Conrad Brooks, Don Amendolia, Tommy Bertelsen, Reid Cruickshanks, Stanley DeSantis, Lionel Decker, Edmund L. Shaff, Gene LeBell, Jesse Lizarraga, Bobby Slayton, Gretchen Becker, John Rice, Catherine Butterfield, Mary Portser, King Cotton, Don Hood, Frank Echols, Matthew Barry, Ralph Monaco, Anthony Russell, Tommy Bush, Gregory Walcott, Charles C. Stevenson Jr.;
Production year: 1994;
Genre: drama, comedy, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 127 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,8;

More information about the film “Ed Wood” on the website imdb.com

“Shadow of the Vampire”, 2000

Director: E. Elias Merhige

films about movie directors - Shadow of the Vampire

This fictionalized account explores the making of the silent horror film “Nosferatu” and the enigmatic director F.W. Murnau's unconventional methods, including his collaboration with a mysterious actor who embodies the role of a vampire.

Starring: John Malkovich, Willem Dafoe, Udo Kier, Cary Elwes, Catherine McCormack, Eddie Izzard, Ronan Vibert, Aden Gillett, Nicholas Elliott, Sophie Langevin, Myriam Muller, Milos Hlavac, Marja-Leena Junker, Derek Kueter, Norman Golightly, Patrick Hastert, Sascha Ley, Marie-Paule von Roesgen, Jean-Claude Croes, Christophe Chrompin, Graham Johnston, Orian Williams, Radica Vujicin;
Production year: 2000;
Genre: horror, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 95 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;

More information about the film “Shadow of the Vampire” on the website imdb.com

“Trumbo”, 2015

Director: Jay Roach

films about movie directors - Trumbo

Centered on the life of screenwriter and director Dalton Trumbo, this biographical drama delves into his experiences during the Hollywood blacklist era and his uncredited screenwriting work under pseudonyms.

Starring: Bryan Cranston, Diane Lane, Helen Mirren, Louis C.K., Elle Fanning, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Alan Tudyk, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, Dean O'Gorman, David Maldonado, John Getz, Laura Flannery, David James Elliott, Toby Nichols, Joseph S. Martino, Madison Wolfe, Jason Bayle, James DuMont, Dan Bakkedahl, Richard Portnow, Roger Bart, Johnny Sneed, Rio Hackford, Dane Rhodes, Peter Mackenzie, John Neisler, Sean Bridgers, JD Evermore, P.J. Marshall, Meghan Wolfe, Mitchell Zakocs, Stephen Root, Jason Kirkpatrick, Wayne Pére, A.J. Allegra, Mattie Liptak, Becca Nicole Preston, Garrett Hines, Chris LeBlanc, Ron Fassler, Christian Berkel, Mark Harelik, Jim Gleason, Rick Kelly, Billy Slaughter, Griff Furst, John Mark Skinner, Eddie Albert, Jerome Andries;
Production year: 2015;
Genre: drama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 124 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;

“The Disaster Artist”, 2017

Director: James Franco

films about movie directors - The Disaster Artist

Based on the true story of the making of “The Room,” often dubbed as one of the worst films ever made, this film offers a comedic yet poignant portrayal of director Tommy Wiseau and the unconventional production process behind his cult classic.

Starring: James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Ari Graynor, Alison Brie, Jacki Weaver, Paul Scheer, Zac Efron, Josh Hutcherson, June Diane Raphael, Megan Mullally, Jason Mantzoukas, Andrew Santino, Nathan Fielder, Joe Mande, Sharon Stone, John Early, Melanie Griffith, Hannibal Buress, Charlyne Yi, Jessie Ennis, Peter Gilroy, Lauren Ash, Karen Macarah, Sugar Lyn Beard, Bob Odenkirk, Brian Huskey, Megan Ferguson, Randall Park, Steven Liu, Tommy Wiseau, Casey Wilson, Jerrod Carmichael, Xosha Roquemore, Kelly Oxford, Kether Donohue, Jeffrey C. Goodell, Dree Hemingway, Angelyne, Tom Franco, Zoey Deutch, Ike Barinholtz, Kevin Smith, Keegan-Michael Key, Adam Scott, Danny McBride, Kristen Bell, J.J. Abrams, Lizzy Caplan, Aydie Aydarbekov;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: comedy, biography, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 104 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,3;

More information about the film “The Disaster Artist” on the website imdb.com

These films offer captivating insights into the captivating and often tumultuous world of movie-making, showcasing the diverse personalities and creative visions of directors across different eras and genres.

In the world of cinema, films about movie directors offer a captivating glimpse into the minds and lives of these visionary individuals who bring stories to life on the silver screen. Through a diverse range of storytelling techniques, these films explore the challenges, triumphs, and sacrifices that directors face in their pursuit of artistic excellence. From biographical dramas that delve into the personal struggles of renowned directors to fictional narratives that explore the creative process, these films provide a deep appreciation for the artistry and dedication that goes into crafting unforgettable cinematic experiences. With their unique blend of storytelling and behind-the-scenes insights, films about movie directors serve as a celebration of the power of filmmaking and the indelible mark these directors leave on the medium they love.

Katie Knight
A movie about...