I can't really count A.I. because while I enjoyed it I can't look at it as anything other than a film Stanley Kubrick was supposed to make but handed it off to Spielberg instead.
Every time I see it, I get discouraged because I see the Kubrick moments waiting to shine, and be completely...
I would have loved to include Steven Spielberg on my list. But his choices of projects over the last 20+ years has left me almost completely uninterested in anything he does currently. I haven't loved, or even 'really liked' any of his movies past Saving Private Ryan.
Richard Linklater got my attention with "Slacker" it was so unlike any film I had seen (apparently there is a French film that uses the same formula). Funny mainly, but also sad, and strange throughout. Of course "Dazed and Confused" is the ultimate hang out movie. And no one director living...
Great thread.
-Paul Thomas Anderson
-Bill Forsythe (has he announced his retirement?)
-Jane Campion
and my favorite directors are:
-Richard Linklater
-Hirokazu Koreeda