I just "discovered" Woody Allen this year and have been buying every movie of his that I can find. I don't know if they're really comparable anyway. Brooks does more cartoony humor and Woody's films are grounded in reality and often depressing (although, the only goofy Woody movie I've seen thus far is "Sleeper" so I'm by no means familiar with his entire filmography).
Steven Spielberg anyone? I like Brooks better than Allen, since I liked Spaceballs and History of the World better than anything by Woody. I would have to say that my favorite comedy director is Kevin Smith though.
Thank you; I was beginning to wonder if anyone would mention him. Others that need to be mentioned: Stanley Kubrick Alfred Hitchcock Frank Darabont (doesn't do nearly enough movies) Ridley Scott Never have cared for Woody Allen or Mel Brooks.
Preston Sturges Billy Wilder These two guys deserve some props. M. Night is essentially a young Spielberg that can't get off of gimmick endings. He needs to mature out of putting in twists for the sake of putting in twists.
The problem is after the success of the Sixth Sense I think he kind of got type-cast into that filmmaking role. And then of course everybody knew going into his movies that there was gonna be a twist thus decreasing the shock value. Still, I've liked all his movies, even The Village, which probably would have been better withouth the twist. And I would like to add another big C... James Cameron... when he actually does make a film, its usually pretty damn good (Aliens, Terminators, True Lies, Titanic)
