12.Darren Aronofsky
Darren Aronofsky is one of the most ambitious of all modern filmmakers, tackling subjects as diverse as drug addiction, paranoia, and the life and death of the universe. Aronofsky's first major film, Requiem for a Dream, is still generally considered to be his best film and has a reputation for being one of the most harrowing movies ever made. The film shows different characters addiction to drugs and the degenerating effect it has on their lives. The film was notable for its soundtrack and stylish directing and established Aronofsky as a major filmmaker. In 2006, Aronofsky's film the Fountain was released. Due to years of a troubled production the film was a bit of a mess but remains one of the most visually stunning and thematically ambitious films of the last decade. In 2008, he returned to widespread critical acclaim with the Wrestler, a film about, obviously, an aging wrestler and his attempt to stay relevant and mend his relationship with his daughter. And in 2010, Aronofsky released a companion piece to the Wrestler called Black Swan. The film depicted a ballerina who slowly becomes unhinged while competing for the lead part in a production of Swan Lake. Aronofsky's next film, which will be released in 2014, promises to be another super-ambitious effort as it follows the biblical story of Noah. At only 44 years old, Aronofsky has a chance to become an all-time great filmmaker and he is certainly both ambitious and smart enough to do it.
Eligible Films: Pi (1998), Requiem for a Dream (2000), The Fountain (2006), The Wrestler (2008), Black Swan (2010)