Notable Directors

Peter Jackson and Tim Burton 

have both been responsible for some of the most successful modern fantasy films. 

Peter Jackson's most notable work has been on "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, as well as on the remake of "King Kong." Jackson had no film training and his talents in directing have been self-taught through trial and error. In his early days experimenting with film making he managed to create impressive special effects using a small cost. His first feature production was "Bad Taste" (1987) and due to lack of funds his friends took on the leading roles. The film helped to shape his early recognisable amarteuristic style and became one of his cult-classics. When offered the opportunity to adapt "The Lord of Rings" he was pressured into trying to make it into one film, however he felt it would better if it was a trilogy. He is known for his visual scope and attention to detail which are both necessary for fantasy films to keep the narrative believable. Because of his innovate style he is now widely considered to be one of the film-makers of his generation.


Trademarks of Peter Jackson:
Often films close-ups using wide angles
Darkly humorous scenes of violence
Enormous visual scope with emphasis on landscape
His films frequently conclude with a bloodbath
In his movies, there are frequently axes and fake documentaries

Tim Burton is a creative director who is know for his quirky directing style; at Disney he grew tired of working on the mainstream films and wanted to create work he felt was more original, reflecting his now recognisable style. The Box Office success of "Batman" brought him to other's attention and his first partnership with Johnny Depp was on "Edward Scissor Hands."  He manages to twist some of the fantasy conventions as his heroes are often neurotic and cowardly but also intelligent, but he allows for audiences to sympathise with them. Drawings and animation were important to Burton in his breakthrough: it is through these he could experiment with his quirky plot ideas and characters. Animation for Burton also meant that he didn't suffer from constraints as he could exploit the unrealistic elements of the fantasy genre, creating his creative freedom. 


Trademarks of Tim Burton:

His films often have a Gothic feel to them, often including Christmas and/or Halloween scenes with plots that often focus around a misunderstood outcast

He often likes to open his films with a quiet night time snowfall

Most of his films tend to be either dark or colorful, and sometimes contain scenes of both

Often features castles, churches or other old buildings