1. Andrei Tarkovsky
Filmography:
Ivan's Childhood, Andrei Rublev, Solaris, Mirror, The Stalker, Nostalghia, The Sacrifice. The Soviet master's filmography cannot be touched by any other. He created masterpiece after masterpiece as if it was nothing. Some directors on this list have had films that don't come close to their best work, but Tarkovsky constantly outdid himself creating some of the most brilliant pieces of art I've had the pleasure to see. His films are often slow-paced and inaccessible, complicated by their metaphysical and existential themes, but Tarkovsky's films are for the patient and those willing to immerse themselves in brilliantly crafted characters and the most beautiful scenery. The exceptional beauty in his films is heightened by his technical ability behind the camera and fondness for incredibly long takes, long panning camera movements and appreciation of symbolism. Tarkovsky's films bend beyond the constrictions of genre, though his sci-fi films are most identifiable. His films sway from traditional narrative structures, in particular his masterpiece of masterpieces, The Mirror. The Mirror is a poetic exploration of a character and is Tarkovsky's most personal film. The beauty of the film has to be seen to be believed and as with all Tarkovsky films it pulls you in and refuses to let go. It explores the soul through a collection of loosely structured memories, dreams, poems read by Tarkovsky's father and news footage. It's a true one of a kind film that could never be imitated. Tarkovsky's most famous film with the more casual viewer is probably Solaris, which was remade by Steven Soderbergh with hideous results. Tarkovsky, like all great directors wants us to think when watching his films - to challenge ourselves as we view his creations. Tarkovsky's entire body of work is completely flawless - he never came close to making something someone could consider bad. But saying that, even many years after his death and widespread acclaim in cinema circles, he still goes criminally underrated. His films may not be for everybody, but he is a true master of cinema and his flawless body of work should be the benchmark.