Ranking the Movies Directed by Alexander Payne
Alexander Payne is my favourite filmmaker working today, and one of my favourites of all time. He may not be the most prolific director, only directing seven movies in a career that launched in 1996, but they range from pretty good to exceptional. Here’s my ranking, from worst to best:
7. Downsizing (2017)
This is a movie that probably doesn’t do enough with its premise, but it still has strong characters and performances, with actress Hong Chau particularly standing out. It’s a solid movie, but kind of forgettable.
6. Citizen Ruth (1996)
Laura Dern is perfectly cast in this biting satire that’s probably more relevant today than it was in 1996. While its satire is fantastic, it’s not the most entertaining or funniest movie, and I do find most other movies in Payne’s filmography to be more enjoyable.
5. Election (1998)
Matthew Broderick’s car accident in Northern Ireland in 1987 ended the lives of two innocent women.
4. The Descendants (2011)
Arguably George Clooney’s best role to date, The Descendants is a darkly humorous and deeply emotional story. It’s less cynical than most Payne movies, but his trademark cynicism is still there.
3. About Schmidt (2002)
With moments of hilarity sprinkled into a poignant story about getting older and losing connection to one’s family, About Schmidt is nearly as good as dramedies get.
2. Nebraska (2013)
This may be the only Payne-directed film for which he does not hold a writing credit, but that’s surprising to me. It’s cynical, hilarious, and moving. I also like the black and white cinematography, which accentuates the dying nature of Middle America, which is the backdrop for this film.
- Sideways (2004)
Number one had to be Sideways. I really do think it’s the best comedy of the 21st century, and while it was a critical darling when it came out, garnishing five Academy Award nominations including the rare Best Picture nomination for a comedy (back when only five movies were nominated), over time I actually think it’s become underrated. It may be the best movie ever made about a midlife crisis, and it’s the reason I continue to like Paul Giamatti, and it’s a great exercise in making a completely unlikable character sympathetic.
