Actor Come Directors (The Invisible Woman) Feature

For some actors, the thrill of acting can’t quench their creative thirst, and their ion for the cinema steers them behind the camera as well. Whether these actors step behind the camera to direct a blockbusting thriller or a small art-house release, often their work is rewarded with both commercial and critical success. Following the lead set by many great actors before him, Ralph Fiennes stepped behind the camera to direct and star in his feature as a director, The Invisible Woman. In preparation for the February 7th release of the film, we’re taking a look at some of the most notable actor-director combinations in recent memory.

Also check out the brand new TV Spot (under Ralph Fiennes) for The Invisible Woman delivers some new footage too.

Growing up in Los Angeles, Tarantino grew a ion for cinema at an early age, and although he is most known for his directorial and screenwriting efforts, he originally touched down into Hollywood as an actor. After being cast in several small parts, Tarantino moved on to writing and directing with his first screen play, True Romance, and his first film, Reservoir Dogs. While he stepped out from under his acting cap early in his career, he continued to make small cameos in his films, including Pulp Fiction, Death Proof, and Inglorious Bastards. In his most recent film, Django Unchained, Tarantino resurfaces again as a stern Australian who stands directly in between Django (Jamie Fox) and Django’s goal of saving his wife, Matilda (Kerry Washington).

Ben Affleck—Argo (2012)

In 2012, Tarantino was not alone in his acting-directing efforts. Like Tarantino, Ben Affleck directed and cast himself as well. Following his success directing The Town and Gone, Baby Gone, Ben Affleck took the helm once more to direct Argo—a tale of espionage and bravery during the U.S.-Iran Crisis of 1980. Although Ben Affleck narrowly missed out on nominations for Best Actor and Best Director at the Oscars, his film ultimately took home the top prize of the night by winning Best Picture.

Ben Stiller– Tropic Thunder (2008)

Films come in a variety of creative forms, and movies starring actor-directors are no different. After satirizing the male model industry in 2001’s Zoolander, Ben Stiller returned in 2008 with Tropic Thunder, making jokes this time at the expense of Hollywood, the Vietnam War, and anything caught in the crosshairs. With a noticeable heavy hand on the production—Ben not only starred in and directed, but also co-wrote and co-produced— Stiller was able to keep the jokes rolling, and charm both critics and audiences alike.

Clint Eastwood– Gran Torino (2008)

If you take a look at the history of Hollywood, you would be hard pressed to find a person who has experienced more success both acting and directing than Clint Eastwood. After finding stardom from his work in Sergio Leone’s “Fistful of Dollars” trilogy, Eastwood became the poster boy macho-man for Hollywood, and his work in Dirty Harry is still oft-quoted today. But Eastwood didn’t hit full stride until he started directing as well. In 1992, Eastwood won Best Director and Best Picture Oscars for Unforgiven, and in 2004, his film Million Dollar Baby won best picture as well. Adding to his storied film history, 2008’s Gran Torino was a major success, validating Eastwood as a Hollywood legend.

Mel Gibson– Braveheart (1998)

What do kilts, muscle cars and Vietnam all have in common? They were the backdrop for movies starring their director. In 1995’s Braveheart, Mel Gibson directed himself as a common Scottish warrior who takes up arms against his oppressor, and in doing so, sparks a revolution. Like Ben Affleck’s Argo, Mel Gibson’s Braveheart won Best Picture at the academy awards, and Gibson’s efforts were so superb that he won Best Director as well.

John Favreau– Iron Man (2008)

After writing and starring in his breakthrough film, Swingers, with Vince Vaughn, John Favreau picked up the camera. While his directorial debut, Made, in which Favreau cast himself alongside Vince Vaughn again, received positive reviews, it wasn’t until 2003’s holiday blockbuster Elf that Favreau reached main stream directing success. In 2008, Favreau continued his blockbuster work, and achieved another commercial success with Iron Man, also successfully resurrecting Robert Downey Jr.’s career in the process.

Michael Moore– Bowling for Columbine (2002)

While Michael Moore may not be considered an actor in the traditional sense, his open infusion of his views into his films has taken on a character of its own. And whether you agree with his controversial ideas or not, his ability to spark debate is remarkable. In his critically acclaimed documentary Bowling for Columbine, Moore tries to unearth the source of America’s problem with gun violence. Moore searches deeper than the easy scapegoat answers of poverty, violent entertainment, and accessibility of guns to argue that America’s gun problem lies deeper, rooted in bigotry and fear.

Ralph Fiennes—The Invisible Woman (2014)

For a theatrically trained British actor like Ralph Fiennes, having the chance to play just one fictional character from the world of William Shakespeare, Harry Potter, or James bond on the silver screen is a dream come true. However, after stirring terror in the world of J.K. Rowling as Lord Voldemort, assisting 007 in Skyfall, and starring in and directing his critically acclaimed Coriolanus, Fiennes is taking on another British Figure—Charles Dickens. In his biopic, Fiennes directs and stars as Charles Dickens in the untold story of his 13 year long love affair with Nelly, a woman kept mysteriously secret for over 100 years.