Bright young things: The next generation of actors-turned-directors
5th November 2012
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This week, spy thriller Argo is set to explode onto UK screens and if America’s response is anything to go by, it will get audiences nationwide talking about not only the “so ridiculous, it must be true” storyline, but also about actor/director Ben Affleck - described by one national newspaper as "the most talented actor-turned-director since Clint Eastwood."
To celebrate the release of Argo on November 7th, we take a look at other actors who have gone behind the lens to breathe a new lease of life into film direction.
Jon Favreau
After appearing in a number of rudimentary roles and doing voice work, Jon Favreau decided to take a risk and write himself and pal Vince Vaughan in what turned out to be their breakout film Swingers (1996). His talent now recognised on and off the camera meant that he could yoyo between the two, appearing in Dogtown (1996), Deep Impact (1998) and as a recurring character in sitcom Friends, as well as directing Made (2001) and Elf (2003). However it was his unique take on the comic book genre in surprise smash-hit Iron Man (2008) that established Jon Favreau as a premier league director with the superhero flick taking over $585 million worldwide.
George Clooney
Gorgeous George proved that he was more than just a pretty face when he moved behind the camera in 2005 to direct Good Night And Good Luck. Beginning his career as a heartthrob in E.R, George Clooney made the transition into movies with leading roles in Batman & Robin (1997), Out of Sight (1998) and The Thin Red Line (1998). Despite earning big at the box office as a suave ladies’ man in the likes of Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Intolerable Cruelty (2003) and Up In The Air (2009), it was directing The Ides Of March (2011) which earned him an Oscar nomination and critical credibility. Also the producer of numerous high profile releases including Michael Clayton, The Informant! and… you guessed it - Argo.
To celebrate the release of Argo on November 7th, we take a look at other actors who have gone behind the lens to breathe a new lease of life into film direction.
Jon Favreau
After appearing in a number of rudimentary roles and doing voice work, Jon Favreau decided to take a risk and write himself and pal Vince Vaughan in what turned out to be their breakout film Swingers (1996). His talent now recognised on and off the camera meant that he could yoyo between the two, appearing in Dogtown (1996), Deep Impact (1998) and as a recurring character in sitcom Friends, as well as directing Made (2001) and Elf (2003). However it was his unique take on the comic book genre in surprise smash-hit Iron Man (2008) that established Jon Favreau as a premier league director with the superhero flick taking over $585 million worldwide.
George Clooney
Gorgeous George proved that he was more than just a pretty face when he moved behind the camera in 2005 to direct Good Night And Good Luck. Beginning his career as a heartthrob in E.R, George Clooney made the transition into movies with leading roles in Batman & Robin (1997), Out of Sight (1998) and The Thin Red Line (1998). Despite earning big at the box office as a suave ladies’ man in the likes of Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Intolerable Cruelty (2003) and Up In The Air (2009), it was directing The Ides Of March (2011) which earned him an Oscar nomination and critical credibility. Also the producer of numerous high profile releases including Michael Clayton, The Informant! and… you guessed it - Argo.
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