This week, Robert Zemeckis's new film, "Here," was released. It stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, and Paul Bettany and is directed by Zemeckis. Whenever a new movie from Robert Zemeckis is released, it is a cause for celebration, and "Here" is no exception.
In my opinion, Robert Zemeckis is the best commercial American filmmaker alive. His movies are consistently entertaining, incredibly well-made, cutting-edge, surprising, and deeply subversive.
Many of his movies have been box office smashes that are also groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind experiences that have changed how movies are made. He is a brilliant artist who has been on the cutting edge of film technology for over 40 years, has made a few certified, timeless American Classic masterpieces, and continues to push the boundaries of the medium and create ballsy, intelligent, personal, and sneakily dark films.
A true genius. We are lucky that this guy makes movies.
I met and interviewed Robert Zemeckis a few years ago when he was in town to promote his criminally underrated film "Welcome to Marwen." He was funny, generous, kind, candid, and open to discussing any subject I brought up.
He was also remarkably patient when I became a full-on fanboy and asked him to sign some stuff. He is one of my heroes, and meeting him was amazing — kind of a dream come true.
My favorite Zemeckis quote is from an interview with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez. When asked what was the true challenge of being a film director, he responded: "You gotta be able to put your dick on the window sill."
Indeed.
So, here is the list of feature films directed by Robert Zemeckis ranked in my order of preference.
Keep in mind that, in my opinion, he has never, ever made a terrible movie and that at least 8 or 9 of these movies listed below could never be equaled by any other director (he is, after all, the director that Spielberg and Lucas only wish, in their wildest dreams, that they could be).
Also, I struggled with the number 1 and number 2 slots and flip-flopped for a while before I made my final decision.
Robert Zemeckis' Films Ranked
3) USED CARS
4) FORREST GUMP
5) CONTACT
6) FLIGHT
7) CAST AWAY
8) THE WALK
11) HERE
14) THE WITCHES
17) BEOWULF
19) ALLIED
22) PINOCCHIO
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