10 Stars Who Became Directors (And flopped!)

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While some stars are famous for their on-camera performances, others daringly step into the director’s chair, astonishing audiences with their hidden talents off-screen. These celebrity directors frequently offer unique viewpoints, yet their work ignites discussion as to whether they consistently meet expectations.

Moving from roles as action stars to music legends, these ten famous figures ventured behind the camera to direct movies, resulting in a diverse array spanning from emotionally resonant to divisive pieces. Let’s explore their surprising directorial journeys and how they fared.

Mel Gibson

In 1987, Mel Gibson gained fame from the movie ‘Lethal Weapon’. Later, he transitioned into directing with the release of ‘The Man Without a Face’ in 1993. He then went on to direct ‘Braveheart’ in 1995, an extensive production that earned him the Best Director Oscar for its daring battle sequences and moving emotional content.

The production of ‘The Passion of the Christ’ in 2004 was both passionate and contentious, receiving acclaim for its stark imagery yet facing criticism for excessive violence. Mel Gibson’s talent for narration is evident, but occasionally his personal issues cast a shadow over his abilities.

Kevin Costner

As a film enthusiast, I’d say: Back in the ’90s, it was me, Kevin Costner, who took the helm and brought to life the masterpiece known as ‘Dances with Wolves’. This Western film left audiences spellbound with its breathtaking visuals and sensitive portrayal of Native American culture. My efforts were rewarded with an Oscar for Best Director.

In my experience, some of my subsequent directorial projects, such as ‘The Postman’ (1997), didn’t quite hit the mark due to an overly elaborate narrative style. While I excel at creating emotionally resonant epics, sometimes my aspirations may exceed my ability to execute effectively.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie, renowned for her role in ‘Tomb Raider’ (2001), took on the role of director for ‘In the Land of Blood and Honey’ (2011), a compelling war drama. This film was commended for its boldness but some critics found it overly forceful.

In her subsequent work, ‘Unbroken’ (released in 2014), she demonstrated a visually striking style, however, it received varied opinions regarding its pace. Angelina Jolie’s directorial approach is sincere, addressing challenging themes, yet her movies sometimes lack the refinement that experienced filmmakers often bring to their projects.

Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper, famed for the 2009 comedy ‘The Hangover’, took on the director’s chair for the 2018 film ‘A Star Is Born’, a heartfelt reinterpretation that was applauded by critics for its deep emotional resonance and compelling partnership with Lady Gaga. His work in this project garnered him several Oscar nominations.

In the upcoming movie ‘Maestro’ (2023), a film about Leonard Bernstein’s life, visually captivating yet controversial due to its thematic emphasis, showcases Cooper’s dedication to storytelling as a filmmaker, setting him apart in the world of celebrity directors.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck, who was famed for his role in ‘Daredevil’ (2003), took on the director’s chair for ‘Gone Baby Gone’ (2007), a compelling crime drama set in Boston that demonstrated his skill for crafting gritty tales. Critics praised its thought-provoking moral depth.

After ‘The Town’ in 2010 and ‘Argo’ in 2012, Affleck’s films have shown that he excels more as a director rather than an actor. His directorial work has proven him to be quite talented behind the camera.

Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood, famously known for his role in ‘Dirty Harry’ (1971), ventured into directing with the same year’s release, ‘Play Misty for Me’. His subsequent projects, such as ‘Unforgiven’ (1992), were critically acclaimed for their gritty portrayal of Westerns and even won Oscars.

In the film ‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004), Eastwood’s understated directing approach stands out notably. However, his later movies, such as ‘American Sniper’ (2014), have sparked debates among viewers due to political reasons. Despite this, his unwavering style in filmmaking has solidified him as a cinematic titan.

Madonna

Madonna, renowned for her role in ‘Evita’ (1996), has also ventured into film directing, with her work on the 2008 quirky comedy ‘Filth and Wisdom’. This film, however, was perceived as somewhat disorganized and incomplete by critics, resulting in mediocre reviews.

In her second movie, ‘W.E.’ (2011), which focused on Wallis Simpson, Madonna showcased visually rich imagery but received criticism for its narrative shortcomings. While her ambition in filmmaking is admirable, it seems that the concentration she exhibited in her musical career has yet to fully translate into her directorial work.

Jonah Hill

As a great admirer, I’d like to highlight that Jonah Hill, renowned for his role in ‘Superbad’ (2007), stepped behind the camera to direct ‘Mid90s’ (2018). This skate-centric coming-of-age drama resonated with a gritty, nostalgic ambiance and performances that felt incredibly genuine. Critics were generally impressed, but some argued it lacked depth.

As a devoted admirer, I can attest that he’s not just behind the camera for movies, but he’s also directed captivating music videos, such as the one for Vampire Weekend. His subtle approach is appealing, yet his modest body of work suggests there’s potential for even greater accomplishments in the future.

Olivia Wilde

Olivia Wilde, known for her role in ‘House’ (2004-2012), stepped behind the camera to direct the acclaimed teen comedy ‘Booksmart’ (2019). Critics praised its innovative wit and emotional depth, and it became a box office sensation.

In simpler terms, ‘Her second movie, “Don’t Worry Darling” (2022), showcased beautiful visuals, however, it struggled with a confusing narrative and behind-the-scenes turmoil. Although Wilde’s talent is evident, her second film has sparked some questions about her abilities.

Natalie Portman

As a devoted cinephile, I’m always intrigued by the multifaceted talent that is Natalie Portman. Known for her Oscar-winning role in ‘Black Swan’ (2010), she ventured into directing with ‘A Tale of Love and Darkness’ (2015). This Hebrew-language drama was a personal journey delving into her Israeli heritage. The visuals were captivating, yet the pace seemed leisurely, resulting in a mix of praise and criticism from critics.

In her initial directorial venture, Portman demonstrated potential, delicately addressing personal topics. The talent she showcases is apparent, yet it remains to be seen how versatile she can be through additional projects.

Among all the renowned directors, which filmmaker’s work left you astonished the most, or is there another famous personality turned movie maker whose creations you found surprising that I may have overlooked? Express your thoughts below!

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2025-07-04 05:14