The 5: Twenty First Century Texas Film Directors

This Week on The Five:  Texas Film Directors of Today

With Richard Linklater’s latest just opening to critical acclaim and Wes Anderson’s anticipated return this Friday, what better time to look at 5 great Texas film directors of this century?  None of them have made a classic “Texas” film, but a lot more Texans live in cities than the west Texas desert. These diverse filmmakers understand that drama and humor can be found in the everyday and that humanity to be found in the grandiose. That’s Texas.

• Catherine Hardwicke, born in Cameron.  Believe it or not, the movie about the teen girl choosing between vampire and werwolf lovers isn’t Hardwicke’s creepiest teen girl movie. She started her directing career with a fantastically uncomfortable little film called Thirteen. Don’t miss: Thirteen and Lords of Dogtown.
• David Gordon Green, grew up in Richardson.   The only one on the list not born in Texas, David spent most of his childhood and teen years in the lone star state. fortunately he left again to go to college in N.C. where he met Danny McBride thankfully for all us Pineapple Express and Eastbound & Down fans. Don’t miss: All the Real Girls and George Washington.
• Robert Rodriguez, born in San Antonio.  As the director of Machette and Sin City (sequels to both in the works) as well as the Spy Kids movies, Rodriguez definitely has the most diverse career of the 5. He probably has the best potential of the 5 to eventually make that classic Texas film. Don’t miss: El Mariachi and From Dusk Till Dawn.
• Richard Linklater, born in Houston.   None of these filmmakers says “Texas” more than Linklater. That may be due in part to his commitment to the film industry in Texas and specifically Austin. While he films in Texas a lot, there is also a “could be happening anywhere” quality to his films, especially his most iconic film, Dazed and Confused. Don’t miss: Slacker and Before Sunrise.
• Wes Anderson, born in Houston.  While only his first two features were filmed in Texas, Wes has brought more attention to Texas filmmaking than any director since Tobe Hooper. He is the one director from Texas who has fans who will set a date to see anything he directs. I’ve had my calendar marked for this Friday since last year. Don’t miss: any of them.

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