From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood: 3 Great Directors Who Started Small and Made it Big

There are countless stories of filmmakers who began their journey to fame with a flop. But that didn't stop these directors from proving that talent and determination can overcome even the humblest of beginnings.

We picked three filmmakers who pulled themselves up by their bootstraps after their first bad movie and went on to become great.

3. David Fincher

Known for his dark and visually stunning films, Fincher got his start with the blockbuster Alien 3 (1992). At the time, the franchise was already incredibly popular, so it was up to the director to pull no punches. However, the movie received a cool reception from audiences and critics, although it did well at the box office.

It seemed that Fincher, who began his career in commercials and clips, would remain a small studio director making second-rate films. But everything changed quickly with the release of the groundbreaking Se7en (1995). The movie was a breakthrough in its genre and cemented Fincher's status as one of the most promising filmmakers of the late 20th century.

Then came The Game (1997), the legendary Fight Club (1999) and The Social Network (2010). The director has been making cult films for over 20 years and has no intention of stopping, even though he only made his debut with the failed Alien 3.

2. James Cameron

It's hard to believe, but the Canadian director kicked off his career with the completely forgotten Piranha Part Two: The Spawning (1981), which was stigmatized by audiences and critics.

However, Cameron didn't give up and learned from his mistakes, as three years later, Terminator hit the big screen. Aliens was released in 1986, and in the early 90s, the director presented a sequel to his franchise about cyborgs from the future.

Cameron's determination and innovative vision led him to create the iconic Titanic ( 1997) and Avatar ( 2009), which became the highest-grossing films in history.

Cameron's ability to push the boundaries of technology and story has cemented his status as an innovator in the film industry.

1. Stanley Kubrick

One of the most legendary directors in the history of cinema, Kubrick got off to a modest start with the war drama Fear and Desire (1952), which received mixed reviews and was not a commercial success.

But Kubrick's talent and drive were undeniable, and with each subsequent film he continued to improve his craft.

In 1956, he made the gritty noir The Killing, followed by the cult classic Paths of Glory and the Golden Globe-winning Spartacus (1960).

From the futuristic dystopia of A Clockwork Orange (1971) to the psychological horror of The Shining (1980), Kubrick's films continually pushed the boundaries of narrative and challenged social norms.

The director's meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to his artistic vision earned him critical acclaim and a devoted following. Kubrick's legacy as a master filmmaker continues to inspire and influence directors today.

Source: Reddit