The release of Martin Scorsese‘s Shutter Island marks Leonardo DiCaprio and the renowned director’s fourth film together after The Aviator, Gangs of New York, and The Departed. In honor of the duo, here are my top ten Director/Actor collaborations over the years of cinema.
10. Kevin Smith & Jason Lee
I know it’d be really easy for me to call on Jason Mewes (Jay) for a Kevin Smith collaboration since they played alongside each other in a lot of Smith‘s films. However, I respect Jason Lee more as both of them have grown in films over the years together. Now Smith doesn’t have to make the same dick and fart joke films (or so we hope with Cop Out due next week) and Jason Lee has become a household name after four seasons on TV as Earl Hickey.
Films together? Mallrats (1995), Chasing Amy (1997), Dogma (1999), Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2002), Jersey Girl (2004), Clerks II (2006)
9. Spike Lee & John Turturro
Spike Lee is one of the most visually eye catching filmmakers from the ’90s and it seems whenever he needed a New York-born Italian he had John Turturro on speed dial.
Films together? Do The Right Thing (1989), Mo’ Better Blues (1990), Jungle Fever (1991), Clockers (1995), Girl 6 (1996), He Got Game (1998), Summer of Sam (1999), She Hate Me (2004), Miracle at St. Anna (2008)
8. James Cameron & Michael Biehn
When I think about a pair that have made some of my favorite science-fiction films I can’t help but think of James Cameron and Michael Biehn. This relationship didn’t last long, but it is definitely something you notice watching the ’80s James Cameron films.
Films together? The Terminator (1984), Aliens (1986), The Abyss (1989)
7. Steven Soderbergh & George Clooney
Can you tell I’m digging deep for this list? Say what you will about the highly varying director that is Soderbergh but he makes some brilliant films. He’s been lucky enough to have George Clooney, a huge name in Hollywood, to help him make more of his independent efforts become more financially viable and get them made so we would have something brilliant to enjoy.
Films together? Out of Sight (1998), Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Solaris (2002), Ocean’s Twelve (2004), Syriana (2005), The Good German (2006), Ocean’s Thirteen (2007)
6. Tim Burton & Johnny Depp
I do believe that these two are attached at the hip. Many of Burton‘s best films star Johnny Depp. I like to imagine that whenever Burton signs on to do a film there’s a clause in his contract that Depp must at least be the second lead in it.
Films together? Edward Scissorhands (1990), Ed Wood (1994), Sleepy Hallow (1999), Corpse Bride (2005), Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005), Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber from Fleet Street (2007), Alice in Wonderland (2010)
