John,

I suppose it depends upon which context you take "unique" to be in. What I meant is unique in relation to the standard movie format of A + B = C. I don't think I've ever seen anyone else make a movie like Tarantino does, where you start out somewhere after "B", then move to part of "C", then come back to "A", then a different part of "B" then go to the end of the film, only to find out you're at the beginning. I really love his informal presentation. It's very refreshing, and FAR different from anything else out there. Where you can take a Spielberg, or Kubrick flick and say it's similar to this style, or that movie, I can't think of anything that's like Tarantino's films.

You are correct. While Tarantino's style doesn't seem to resemble anything out there, he does appear to be stuck in his own style. While each of his movies are "unique" in their own ways, they do have that central violent, and to one degree or another, gory theme. Although, both "Kill Bill's" were decidedly different than anything he's done to date. The upcoming "Hero" looks like it will be a very interesting film. It's got the dramatic type draw that we've come to expect from movies like "Braveheart", or "Saving Private Ryan", but since the setting is in (China?) and with some "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" stylizing, we'll have to see how it meshes.

- Josh

I find that Ridley's films are very shallow. M. Night has now sorta become a gimmick, his only saving quality are his more and more predictable endings. Spielberg makes a lot of escapist films, I commend him for that. But lately he hasn't yet hooked me (His latest films were Lost World, A.I. and Minority Report- not a bad film and the delightful 'Terminal', and Catch Me if You Can, then there was him producing the semi-okay 'Taken' and the spectacular 'Band of Brothers') back onto his band wagon, still hoping though! James Cameron is truly a great screen writer and director, he gives us exactly what we want to see. But still makes it cinematic! I certianly think he's a true marvel. One of the worst directors ever, who has only made it by becusae he has trashy style, is Micheal Bay (Bad Boys 2, Pearl Harbour). David Ficher is a true gem. It's not often that 2 of his only four films became instant classics, especially in todays cinema, even the other two were good. Quentin is a director who knows how to direct nothing. And that's good. It's wonderful to see semi-true to life experiences (maybe not kill bill) portrayed on film in an interesting way. His movies feel very natural. I liked all 5 (or 4 if kill bill Vol. 1 and 2 is considered as one film?) of his films. Who else? Um.. oh ya! Another bad director (he started off good) is Robert Rodrigues. His films are so low budget, and the acting and editing are so silly, I find his films unbearable (yes, I have seen El Mariachi, and the remaining two in the trilogy). Scorses never really got to me. And the rest of them... well, I havn't seen everything, and I certainly don't know evrything.
P.S. what about Goerge Lucas?

My favourite director of all time has GOT to be Scorsese... Such versatility and individuality. His films are what I percieve to be unique.

:p Taxi Driver, Mean Streets, New York New York, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, Casino, Gangs Of New York, and now the Aviator... I love 'em all! :D

I'ld have to say I have enjoyed every movie Fincher ever made (yes, even the Game, and even Alien 3-Extended cut only).
But still, Spielberg is my inspiration, and will always continue to be, although I will say I'm somewhat disappointed with CMIYC and Terminal, and can't wait for War of the Worlds, or even for the Talisman (?)

Kubrick, Hitchcock, Scorsese, Stone, Spielberg, Shyamalan and Frank Darabont becasue he directed the greatest movie of all time The Shawshank Redemption!:D

Jan Svankmajer, G.W. Pabst, The Brothers Quay