Many actors become directors for creative control, career growth, and inspiration from a story. Sean Penn directed Into the Wild after being inspired by the book. Robert De Niro and Tommy Lee Jones also sought creative control. Actors have a unique understanding of directing and enjoy leading other actors. Helen Hunt appreciates the talent of actors and feels protective of them.
It’s no secret that many actors want to be directors and many do. But what drives actors to direct? Of course, the answer to the question is highly individual and depends on each actor, but the reasons many actors strive to direct have a few common threads. Inspiration from a certain story that he believes should be made into a film, a sense of having more creative control over a production, and career growth are some of the common reasons actors want to become directors.
Often, an actor will be personally involved in crafting a story into a film and supervising the direction of that project to tell the story. This was the case with acclaimed actor Sean Penn. After reading Jon Krakauer’s 1996 bestseller Into the Wild, about Christopher McCandless’ true-life adventures in the Alaskan wilderness, Penn wrote and directed the film of the same title. Christopher McCandless was a 24-year-old East Coast honors graduate who fulfilled his dream of living simply and alone in the Alaskan wilderness. McCandless did not survive the journey, but left behind diaries of his adventures which inspired both Krakauer and Penn to tell his story.
Filmmakers ultimately have the most creative control in making a film because they are responsible for directing the actors in producing the film. Actor Tommy Lee Jones has noted that some actors want to become directors to have creative control in order to satisfy a type of artistic greed. Robert De Niro is an example of an actor who craved some creative control early in his career, and has been noted for multiple collaborations with top directors such as Martin Scorsese. DeNiro later directed his own projects which include A Bronx Tale (1993) and The Good Shepherd (2006).
Actors who have been acting for many years often gain a good understanding of the field of directing, both from their relationship with the director and from watching the director interact with the other actors and crew on set. It can be argued that actors have a unique understanding for directing other actors. When actors want to become directors, providing leadership to other actors can lead to a great sense of accomplishment and career growth. Film and television actress, Helen Hunt, has commented that she likes directing because she appreciates the talent of the actors and she feels protective of them.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
