10 Greatest Actors Turned Directors

Polley has made two impressive jumps - first from child actor to successful adult star, and from there to one of the most acclaimed young directors of her generation. After roles in The Sweet Hereafter and Go, Polley directed her first feature at age 27.

2006’s Away From Her would be a commendable movie from anyone, but for someone so young, it was all the more impressive, dealing so heartbreakingly with topics of dementia and infidelity. Polley, whose script was Oscar nominated, coaxed a career best performance from veteran actress Julie Christie, who also gained well deserved Academy attention for her work.

Her next film, Take This Waltz, was a similarly honest and unsparing look at marriage and lust, with Michelle Williams typically superb and rare serious turns from comedians Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman. Polley’s films are free from cliche and approach well worn topics with totally fresh approaches.

Best of all, though, is her 2012 documentary Stories We Tell. It’s best viewed without knowing too much but suffice to say it’s a bold exploration of Polley’s own family past, with home movies, interviews, and reenactments used to tell a difficult tale.