I've restricted my list to those directors who are mediocre and worse. I'm not listing good directors who are overrated. David Fincher Bryan Singer Anthony Minghella Robert Redford Lasse Hallström Kevin Smith Sam Mendes Jean-Pierre Jeunet Robert Zemeckis
I agree with the previous votes for George Lucas as an overrated director. Star Wars is the only movie that he has directed that is a true classic. He is an absolute genius at generating the basic idea of a movie, setting up its general structure and creating an exciting visual environment. However, he should become less involved as the movie enters the scripting and directorial stage. Some of the dialog in the two Star Wars prequals is aweful. He did create Indiana Jones and the Star Wars universe so give credit where it is due. I just wish he would have let someone else direct the prequals.
I like Smith, but I can't say I disagree. I think his writing is a lot better than his directing. I also have to agree with the comment that it's different tastes, not so much "overrated directors". I doubt a single brilliant director could be chosen unanimously here. Even so, nobody avoids the occasional clunker. Everybody has their Gigli, so to speak.
I should add, even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while - which might well be the case for Smith the Director with Clerks, or Dogma (tho that was more "good" than "great").
I'm suprised nobody has mentioned Lars Von Trier yet. People either love or hate his stuff. I love it, but there are so many that disagree.
David Lynch overrated? Your crazy. And if you were implying that Hal Hartley was overrated, same thing, but I don't think you are. Jane Campeon. The Piano sucked suckness. Her new movie must - must -- be dreadful.
Robert Altman? He has done many bad movies, but suggesting he is overrated? Yes. You're eyes should be gouged out.
.. i was going to say tarantino, but heh, luckily even the 1st post said that i hated reservoir dogs. i wanted all film them to just DO something .. like shoot each other. i have enough of angst of my own, i dont need to go see gangsta angst in movies. and pulp fiction .. i saw it twice in bus, one time low volume, second in french. so what i understood was ... cocaine, tabacco, booze, women, otehr drugs, gangstas, nice cars and money. i wasn't really impressed.