Laugh Out Loud

In an excerpt from his latest book, Richard Schickel takes an intimate look at Howard Hawks—and what may be "the best filmography in the history of American cinema."

He spent much of his career trying to salvage troubled productions. But in his centennial year, Welles’ glorious experiments are still thrilling to anyone who cares about directing.

It may seem old-fashioned by today’s standards, but as the first multi-camera series filmed live in front of an audience, I Love Lucy revolutionized how sitcoms were made—and created a blueprint for strong directors.

For almost half a century, Werner Herzog has been circling the globe capturing extraordinary images for both documentaries and features. Look closely and you can see the wonder of it all.

The mysteries of David Lynch are meant to be experienced, not solved. In works like Eraserhead, Twin Peaks, and Mulholland Dr., he created a dream world of dread and beauty unlike any other.

Godard famously once said, "the cinema is Nicholas Ray," and for a remarkable decade from 1948-1958, it was—before he flamed out in true American fashion.

In his 50-year career, Sidney Lumet combined social issues with complex characters to make crackling entertainment. As time goes by, his body of work looks even more impressive-and unique.

John Cassavetes’ work was emotionally raw and intentionally untidy—and continues to influence directors with its passion and purpose.

Following World War II, a host of directors, led by Stanley Kramer, began tackling the hot-button issues of their day. We celebrate Kramer’s centennial with a look back at a time when movies mattered.

No one has put a spin on this crazy world quite like Preston Sturges. In a few short years, he created a benchmark for smart comedy that still stands today.

From the silents through the studio days, Raoul Walsh perhaps made more movies than anyone, yet is largely forgotten today. In a personal appreciation, Richard Schickel considers the director’s contribution to film history.

As a director of almost geometric precision, Buster Keaton created the template for physical comedy. With a new Blu-ray box set, his genius looks as fresh as ever.

In his six decade career, John Frankenheimer was fascinated with the machinations of politics and approached it from all angles—and it never looked the same.

The enterprising Warner Archive Collection offers unsung films by major directors.

As both Paramount and Universal Studios celebrate their centennials this year, it’s a fitting time to remember some of the directors who helped give the studios their identity.

With an improvisational style fashioned from silent films, Leo McCarey coaxed great performances from some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Yet his role as a master of American film comedy is often forgotten.

Some of the best films of the last 20 years have been made-for-television.

Because Mel Brooks’ films are so full of outrageous gags and scabrous humor, his skill as a director is often overlooked. A reassessment is due.

A careful re-viewing of Robert Wise’s work reveals the imprint of an artist.

Griffith's career will always be controversial but his pioneering contributions to the language of film are undeniable.

Michael Powell’s vivid palette comes alive in a magnificent restoration of his classic The Red Shoes.

John Huston's restless nature animated all of his films. With a brilliant restoration of The African Queen, as well as his other films on DVD, the director's adventurous spirit endures.

Clint Eastwood is one of the best-known directors in the world. A box set from Warner Bros., as well as existing discs, offer a chance to rediscover his amazing body of work.

The golden age of television presented exciting opportunities for a generation of young directors. A new box set revisits the art and innovations of early movies made for TV.

With special 70th anniversary editions of The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind, the time is right to reassess the career of the underappreciated Victor Fleming.

Charlie Chaplin is usually remembered for the oversized character he created. But he was also a director of sublime gifts, as his beautifully restored films on DVD confirm.

In his raucous, unpredictable and often brilliant career, William A. Wellman, one of the Guild's founders, churned out crackling entertainments in nearly every genre.

New and improved DVDs of Hitchcock classics and rarities demonstrate the enduring appeal of the director's work.

Anthony Mann directed Westerns, film noirs and epics-all with his signature psychological intensity.

Hollywood has cast a cynical eye on the political process for years. We survey our changing national attitudes as reflected in films.

Famous for his touch with sophisticated comedy, Ernst Lubitsch also laid the groundwork for the modern musical, as demonstrated in a new box set.

We never seem to exhaust our appetite for film noir, as two intriguing new box sets demonstrate

Newspaperman-turned-director Samuel Fuller used lurid, over-the-top plots and expressionistic filmmaking to create a body of work that still stings today.

Sergio Leone's Spaghetti Westerns featured iconoclastic heroes, broad landscapes and unforgettable music.

A collection of 50 classic pictures from Janus Films brings the art house to your house.

Think you know Frank Capra? Think again. A new box set of his Depression-era classics offers a chance for reappraisal.

A new DVD of Seven Samurai demonstrates why the director was the amster of subtle spectacle.

Two new box sets celebrate the great American director.

Every generation makes its own movie about the media.

Sure, 50s sci-fi films are fun, but the best of them are also smart, well-made and compelling even today.