6 film directors who went to British universities
Share This Article:
The BFI London Film Festival is just over a month away, and this year it will be celebrating it’s 60th year! British film has a long and amazing history, with many directors (although not all of them British) graduating from UK universities.
Here are six of the best:
Who? Paul W.S. AndersonWent to: University of Warwick
Notable Films: Resident Evil movies, Alien vs. Predator, Pompeii, The Three Musketeers
Paul W.S Anderson, best known for his creation of the Resident Evil Films, graduated from Warwick University with a B.A. in Film and Literature. Anderson is one of only two people to have both written and edited an Alien movie.
Who? Sam Mendes
Went to: University of Cambridge
Notable Films: American Beauty, Starter for 10, Skyfall, Spectre, The Kite Runner
Sam Mendes graduated with a first in English from Cambridge University. During his time there he was on the cricket team and a member of Marlowe Society, directing several plays - one of which had Tom Hollander amongst the cast members.
Who? Danny Boyle
Went to: Bangor University
Notable Films: Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days Later
Boyle studied English and Drama at Bangor University. Whilst he was there, he dated actress Frances Barber. He was also the artistic director of the 2012 London Olympics.
.jpg)
Who? Christopher Nolan
Went to University College London
Notable Films: Inception, Interstellar, The Dark Knight
Christopher Nolan read English literature at UCL and allegedly chose the university for its filmmaking facilities. He was also president of the Union’s Film society, creating two short films during his time there..jpg)
Who? Stephen Daldry
Went to: University of Sheffield
Notable Films: Billy Elliot, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, The Reader
Stephen Daldry studied English at the University of Sheffield having won a Royal Air Force scholarship to the university. Whilst he was there he was Chairman of SuTCo (Sheffield University Theatre Company).
Who? Anthony Minghella
Went to University of Hull
Notable Films: The Talented Mr. Ripley, Nine
Minghella studied Drama at Hull university and continued to teach for some time after graduation. The Director was also a script-editor for British TV series Grange Hill. Sadly, he died of a haemorrhage in 2008. A memorial plaque to Anthony Minghella was unveiled by Jude Law in March this year.