Most Successful German Director?

Kinzdone · 11-27-2007

Recently, I was looking through essays I wrote (yes, I have too much spare time, lol!) and one was German cinema. It mentioned the greats and the not so greats, but as the essay's point was not to be biased and write it objectively I never settled on the 'best' of them. So, here I will let you all decide.
Which German director is 'most successful', in terms of his vision, expertise, abilites, etc? Which had the biggest influence on modern cinema?
I like films from all of them: Das Boot, Stalingrad right up to Anatomie - but my choice would be Fritz Lang and I have a feeling he'll steal this poll easily.
Anyway, here's my short list, compiled from the essay - vote, discuss and have fun.

Kinzdone · 11-29-2007

Well, clearly there aren't many people familiar with these directors enough to vote or discuss them. Except the two that voted already - thanks guys.
...I guess this thread will just fade into obscurity...

Powderedwater · 12-01-2007

I voted for Wolfgang because of Das boot, I really love that film. Fritz may be a better director but I haven't seen enough of his films yet. On a more recent note I really like Run Lola Run but not enough to vote for him as the best. I'm hoping to see Metropolis pretty soon so I may need to change my vote.

Kinzdone · 12-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powderedwater

I voted for Wolfgang because of Das boot, I really love that film. Fritz may be a better director but I haven't seen enough of his films yet. On a more recent note I really like Run Lola Run but not enough to vote for him as the best. I'm hoping to see Metropolis pretty soon so I may need to change my vote.

I agree with you on all points there, except of course that I have seen Metropolis, and I still hold Lang in the highest regard purely because of 'M' and 'Metropolis'.
'Das Boot' I really love as well. A masterpiece. have you seen Vilsmaer's 'Stalingrad' (one of my absolute favourites)? That too is powerful and very well directed, acted and shot. Its a very sad film - like Das Boot - but, like I said, very good.

Ford · 12-06-2007

As far as movie grosses, it'd probably be Roland Emmerich on top, right? Granted his stuff has the most commercial appeal. But I'd pick him just because I liked "Godzilla". Sue me.

VolcomMartin · 12-06-2007

I'm not updated on German directors.. I went with Fritz Lang, cos of Metropolis.

Yea

Powderedwater · 12-06-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kinzdone

I agree with you on all points there, except of course that I have seen Metropolis, and I still hold Lang in the highest regard purely because of 'M' and 'Metropolis'.
'Das Boot' I really love as well. A masterpiece. have you seen Vilsmaer's 'Stalingrad' (one of my absolute favourites)? That too is powerful and very well directed, acted and shot. Its a very sad film - like Das Boot - but, like I said, very good.

Yeah I haven't seen 'M' either and actually I think I may have that on a shelf here somewhere I may have to give that a go pretty soon. I just read somewhere that a new very nice version of Metropolis is coming out so I may have to pick that out. Also have not seen Stalingrad, I will look for that as well.

Kinzdone · 12-09-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powderedwater

I just read somewhere that a new very nice version of Metropolis is coming out so I may have to pick that out.

Really? A definitive authorised restored version came out a couple of years back didn't it? I've got that one and it looks and feels superb. They've already put back in all the lost footage they can find, so I wonder whats next.
This is the release I'm talking about:

Metropolis (1927) - Special Edition (2 Disc Set) @ EzyDVD

Powderedwater · 12-09-2007

That's probably it. I just read little blurbs all over the place and I don't always check when they were written, that one looks good, I'm gonna put that on my list.

JackBurton · 12-13-2007

Wolfgang Petersen..I think his movies were more popular too!!!