As is the case with any profession, film direction takes time to master.Christopher Nolan,David Fincher,Stanley Kubrick,Akira Kurosawa, and evenAlfred Hitchcockmake up just some of the great directors whose first forays into feature film-making were largely unremarkable. This illustrious list of names makes it all the more attention-grabbing when first-time filmmakers are able to create something truly astounding.
From indie hits to timeless classics, pioneering sensations, and even Academy Award-winning efforts,these 10 directors made an immediate impact, presenting incredible feats in cinematic storytelling from their very first films. Some of them went on to have brilliant careers, while audiences are still eagerly waiting to see what some of the more recent debutants will achieve going forward. All of them thrived from their first moments in the director’s chair.
George A. Romero
There are directorial debuts that immediately establish a filmmaker as a master of their craft, then there are some that introduce the world to such talent that he pioneers new subgenres and changes the course of cinematic horror forever. An icon and very much the father of zombie movies,George A. Romerocemented himself as a maestro of horrorand suspense with his 1968 masterpieceNight of the Living Dead.
As the undead rise from the grave and begin eating the living, it follows a small group of survivors who take shelter in an old farmhouse.Gothic imagery, unnerving gore, and an underlying social commentary combine in awe-inspiring fashionto make for one of the most famous horror movies of all time as well as one of the most distinguished directorial debuts the art form has ever seen.
Night of the Living Dead
9’Past Lives' (2023)
Celine Song
Marking a tender and emotionally engaging highlight of the 2024 Oscar season,Past Livesis theemphatic feature film debut of writer-directorCeline Song. The film follows Nora (Greta Lee), a South Korean woman who immigrated to Canada as a child, leaving behind her childhood friend with whom she shared a deep connection. When she reunites with Hae Sung (Teo Yoo) decades later as a married woman in New York, she rekindles her long-lost friendship.
Song brilliantly circumnavigates romantic tropes like ‘choosing Mr. Right’ and ‘will he get the girl?’ to deliver a far more intimate, mature, and compassionate movie about the human condition in which all three of the central characters are realized with profound depth. Its impact, despite its subtlety, is an achievement by Song that can’t be overstated. While she only received Oscar recognition for her screenplay,Celine Song made a seismic impact with her deft yet commanding directionof what is one of the best romantic dramas of the 21st century if not of all time.
Past Lives
8’Ex Machina' (2014)
Alex Garland
A novelist who transition to screenwriting with such films as28 Days LaterandSunshine,Alex Garland’s pedigree as a storytellerwas well established by the time he finally landed in the director’s chair, but that doesn’t take anything away from the extraordinary achievement that wasEx Machina. His accolades in science fiction and underlying suspense are brought to the fore in the contained and contemplative thriller that weaves an entrancing yet dark tale of obsession and ownership.
Caleb Smith (Domhnall Gleeson) is a young programmer who wins a trip to the remote home of his company’s CEO, Nathan Bateman (Oscar Isaac). While there, he participates in a social experiment by forming a bond with Ava (Alicia Vikander), a robot that Nathan invented. Dark and disturbing yet utterly engrossing and artfully magnificent,Ex Machinais a brilliantly acted and masterfully realized sci-fi thriller that emphasizes Garland’s meticulous control and precisioneven as a first-time director.
Ex Machina
7’Lady Bird' (2017)
Greta Gerwig
WhileGreta Gerwigdid co-directNights and Weekendsin 2009, 2017’sLady Birdstands as her first feature film as solo director and marks one of the greatest coming-of-age movies ever made. Ranging from being painfully sincere to uproariously funny, it is a beautifully balanced film that capitalizes onSaoirse RonanandLaurie Metcalf’s performances and Gerwig’s deft yet sculpting touch to be a perfect portrayal of adolescent angst and the quest for independence and belonging.
The self-named Lady Bird (Ronan) tries to make friends with popular students at her school while striving to get into an east coast college. All the while, she clashes fiercely with her headstrong yet loving mother at home. Nostalgic yet critical in its reflective narrative, while handling its conflicts and realism and heart,Lady Birdintroduced Gerwig as a soaring Hollywood filmmaker while also re-affirming her as one of the industry’s best screenwriters. She received the nomination for Best Director .
6’The Maltese Falcon' (1941)
John Huston
There are few genres that encapsulate America’s cinematic identity quite like film noir, and possibly even fewer films that so entirely define a genre like howThe Maltese Falconhas cometo be emblematic of classic noir cinema. Marking the first of six collaborations betweenJohn HustonandHumphrey Bogart, the sprawling crime flick focuses on a private eye who finds himself embroiled in a hunt for an immensely valuable statuette with three criminal scoundrels.
Huston not only directed the film, but also adapted the screenplay fromDashiell Hammett’s novel of the same name, an achievement that granted him an Academy Award nomination. While his direction was sadly overlooked at the ceremony,Huston’s control over the film’s suspense, striking visual appeal, and even its intrigue within its challenging and convoluted story, marks one of the most impressive directorial debut of all time.The Maltese Falconis still regarded among the greatest American movies ever made.
The Maltese Falcon
5’Get Out' (2016)
Jordan Peele
While there have been plenty of cases where performers or writers have transitioned to being directors, few have re-invented themselves to the degree thatJordan Peelecompletely did withGet Out. The societal horror movie follows Chris (Daniel Kaluuya), a black photographer who attends a weekend getaway at his white girlfriend’s parents’ estate. The first encounters are awkward, and Chris’ efforts to dismiss the social discomfort are soon overwhelmed by a shocking revelation.
One of the most strikingly original films in recent years,Get Outimmediately cemented Peele as one of Hollywood’s more intriguing current filmmakers. His ability to mix social critique with notions of horror and even flares of comedy pointed to a director of exceptional craft and confidence, even earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director and winning Best Original Screenplay.Get Outmarks a cinematic highlight of the 2010sand is one of the most commanding directorial debuts in recent memory.
4’Blood Simple' (1984)
The Coen Brothers
A great directorial debut upon release, but an even better one upon reflection,Blood SimpleseestheCoen Brothersimpart touches of their trademarkoffbeat characters, humor, and thrilling intensity on a gripping neo-noir tale of romance and deceit. Julian (Dan Hedaya), a bar owner, hires a private investigator to look into his wife’s affair with one of his workers. When Abby (Frances McDormand) leaves Julian, he pays the P.I. to kill his ex-wife and her lover, but the situation soon spirals out of control.
The Coen Brothers’ twisted sensitivities of comedic peculiarity and abrupt violence is on full display,makingBlood Simplea defining and attention-grabbing directorial debut that is as thrilling as it is fun. It’s become a cult classic of neo-noir cinema, a cherished gem of 80s thrillers, and a beloved favorite of fans of the directing duo.
Blood Simple
3’Reservoir Dogs' (1992)
Quentin Tarantino
Few directors throughout cinematic history have enjoyeda career as iconic, bold, and distinct asQuentin Tarantino. From his trademark dialogue to his slick sense of suave, his use of music, his immersive narratives, and, of course, his exhilarating ability to conjure up spellbinding sequences of suspense, all of Tarantino’s defining characteristics are present in his brilliant debut,Reservoir Dogs.
While small in premise and scope, it squeezes every drop of brilliance from its story as it follows a group of thieves in the aftermath of a botched jewelry store heist as they regroup at a warehouse to figure out who among them is a rat. Not only an astonishing triumph for Tarantino, butReservoir Dogsalso had such an impact that it proved to be a hugely influential film for the indie scene. It remains a defining highlight of 90s cinema and is arguably the director’s greatest film as well.
Reservoir Dogs
2'12 Angry Men' (1957)
Sidney Lumet
In addition to being one of the most amazing directorial debuts,12 Angry Menis also regarded to be the quintessential legal thriller and one of the greatest movies of all time.Sidney Lumet’s first picture transpires in just one room, following the disgruntled jurors tasked with determining the trial of an 18-year-old charged with murdering his abusive father. Deliberation ensues when 11 of the jurors offhandedly judge him as being guilty and are confronted by juror # 8 (Henry Fonda) who argues that there is reasonable doubt in the case.
Exceptionally well acted, with beautifully realized and dynamic characters, it isa stunning showpiece of grounded courtroom dramathat is both enthralling and intriguing.Lumet was nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards for his sharp and tension-building, yet natural and steady handling of the film. It was an honor he was nominated for on four separate occasions, though he never won.
12 Angry Men
1’Citizen Kane' (1941)
Orson Welles
Heralded by many to be the greatest film ever made as well as one of the most influential pictures the industry has ever seen,it is absolutely astounding thatCitizen Kanemarked the directorial debut of Orson Welles. Just 26 at the time of production, Welles directed, co-wrote, and starred in the legendary drama. He was nominated for Oscars for all three of his involvements, even winning alongsideHerman J. Mankiewiczfor the screenplay.
A quasi-biopic, it sees reporters exploring the life, career, and relationships of newspaper tycoon Charles Foster Kane (Welles) to determine the meaning of his dying word, “Rosebud”. Its standing as a landmark achievement of the medium has only been enhanced over time, withWelles’ direction regarded as some of the most brilliant and innovativein cinematic history.Citizen Kaneremains the most essential viewing experience for movie buffs.
