Ron Howard: the Greatest Underestimated Director?

[tmm_fan]

Posted: 1/20/07 at 11:52pm

He has always been one of my favorite people, well, ever, but after watching The DaVinci Code for the first time (sad, I know), it only made that claim stronger. The DaVinci Code is a cinematic masterpiece; extremely well-acted and directed. Although very different and more subtle than that other masterpiece known as The Passion of the Christ, DaVinci is just as powerful and left me equally inspired. Passion was actually the film that caused me to become a born-again Christian; and, if anything, The DaVinci Code only reafirmed my faith. When the end credits began, I was like, "wow."

Ron Howard isn't as praised as Spielberg or other directors, yet I definitely think he has always been very underestimated. His movies are highly successful, but you don't really hear his name mentioned as often as other filmmakers.

Other thoughts?

Updated On: 1/20/07 at 11:52 PM

[Luscious]

Posted: 1/20/07 at 11:59pm

If anything, I think he's highly OVERATED. His movies are mediocre, at best. And I'm sorry, but, The Da Vinci Code is crap.

Updated On: 1/21/07 at 11:59 PM

[kjklo]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 12:02am

Popular, but definitely not great or underestimated.

[pab]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 12:08am

"The DaVinci Code is a cinematic masterpiece" - I think not!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 12:10am

The DaVinci Code caused me to renounce my baptism and commit my soul to Satan. Thanks, Ron Howard!

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 12:13am

I enjoyed it because I loved the book, but I found it very disappointing. It's shot beautifully and the acting is terrific, but there are so many problems.

I liked Howard's work on A BEAUTIFUL MIND and I loved it in THE GRINCH - but I do think that his direction for CINDERELLA MAN is terribly underrated. I thought CINDERELLA MAN was one of the best films last year, and so did the critics - yet no one cared about it. Sad.

[tmm_fan]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 12:32am

There are flaws, yes. But the film is beautifully shot, I agree ... the final scene is simply gorgeous.

If you just enter it with an open mind and without expectations from the book (arguments you hear constantly with movies based on novels), TDC is a very well-made film. Its broad picture, amazing direction and overall message is what made me love it so much.

Ron Howard I feel is not as recognized as much as other filmmakers. He's had a number of hits, yet doesn't recieve enough praise, ya know?

Updated On: 1/21/07 at 12:32 AM

[Pippin]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 12:36am

"There are flaws, yes. But the film is beautifully shot, I agree ... the final scene is simply gorgeous. "

that really has more to do with the cinematogropher than the actual director.

Apollo 13 is my personal favorite of his. I think he is a hit-or-miss kind of guy.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 12:40am

Well, he's an Oscar winning director. I don't think you can really be underestimated or underrated if you won an Oscar for your art.

[DG]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 12:41am

I love SPLASH, and I don't care who knows it!

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 12:42am

Haha, DG!

[tmm_fan]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 12:49am

It wasn't all due to the cinematographer, though; I still love the direction. Kinda like The Terminal; that great film by Steven Spielberg. Very subtle and beautiful; with perfect hints of light and dark that only enhance the scene, and as a result creating feelings of both excitement and tranquility that help draw us in.

He is hit-and-miss, yes; so are many directors, though. And ABM was really his first major hit to be recognized all-around.

Updated On: 1/21/07 at 12:49 AM

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 1/21/07 at 12:51am

I don't think it is the greatest movie ever made or anything, but I liked "The Da Vinci Code" for what it was.