Banana Scoop

Some directors like working with actors so much in one film, that they’ll ask them to be in another one.  And another one.  And another one.  Soon enough they almost look inseparable like the above image where if you weren’t paying attention you might confuse Tim Burton with Sweeny Todd.  Haha, maybe that’s not what it’s like in all cases, but there are certainly a number of pairs of actors and directors that like each other so much, that the number of films they’ve collaborated on [non-sequel] demonstrates that they’re probably more than just co-workers…See a list of several of these pairings below.

David Fincher and Brad Pitt

Notable Collaborations: Fight Club, Se7en, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

You can never go wrong with a David Fincher movie, they’re stylish tense, and amazing stories all ranging from The Social Network to Zodiac to Dragon Tattoo.  But several of his films have featured the very talented Brad Pitt.  Brad Pitt nails each of the roles he’s given by Fincher whether it be a hot headed detective, a crazy psycho terrorist, or a reverse aging man.

Christopher Nolan and Christian Bale [& Michael Caine]

Notable Collaborations: The Batman Trilogy, The Prestige, Inception (Caine Only)

Christopher Nolan is a man of excellent taste, by casting Michael Caine and Christian Bale in a lot of his movies, they’ve created an incredible trilogy, a clever psychological thriller, and in Caine’s case, a mind boggling action movie.  Let’s hope that the Dark Knight Rises isn’t the last of the collaboration between Nolan and these two powerhouse actors.

Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio [Formerly Robert DeNiro]

Notable Collaborations: The Departed, Aviator, Shutter Island, Gangs of New York

Absolutely one of the more obvious ones on this list, it’s no surprise that Leonardo DiCaprio chooses his movies very carefully and that many of his best are with the legendary Martin Scorsese.  Over 30 years ago, that trend belonged with Robert DeNiro who also had much of his best work with Scorsese.

Tim Burton and Johnny Depp (& Helena Bonham Carter)

Notable Collaborations: Edward Scissorhands, Sweeny Todd, Ed Wood, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

If Leonardo and Scorsese were obvious, this pair is as subtle as an elephant in a room.  With nearly over 6 or 7 collaboration between these two, the common joke is that Johnny Depp will dress however Tim Burton wants him to.  I’m behind some/many who believe these two should take a break from each other.  And while Johnny’s been doing some other stuff here and there, he needs to take a step back and create another legendary out of nowhere like Captain Jack Sparrow.  While Burton collaborations are nice, there’s nothing wrong with varying it up by not overly varying it up.

Wes Anderson and Bill Murray

Notable Collaborations: The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, The Royal Tenembaums, The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Moonrise Kingdom

These days Bill Murray is somewhat of an enigma.  He’s very picky with his movies these days, but he can’t seem to stay away from indie director Wes Anderson.  In practically most of Anderson’s movies as lead or supporting, Murray has been there bring a different sort of trademark humor far different [and oddly familiar] with his comedy days in Ghostbusters and Groundhogs Day.  I’m not huge on Anderson films, but I’ve always loved watching Bill Murray.

Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe

Notable Collaborations: Gladiator, Robin Hood, Body of Lies, American Gangster

I loved American Gangster and Gladiator.  I think Russell Crowe did fantastic in both of them and Ridley Scott is a legendary and versatile filmmaker.  While I never did see Robin Hood or Body of Lies, I like to think the ‘ol Crowe/Scott 1-2 punch made those movies more than worth their while.  Someone let me know.

The Possible Future: Nicholas Winding Refn and Ryan Gosling

Notable Collaborations: Drive, Only God Forgives

Sure there are only 2 collaborations [one of which isn’t finished], but I’ve seen these two in interviews and photos and they seem to love each other.   They’ve got good chemistry and I think Refn’s very distinct style matches the odd way Gosling carries himself.  It’s strange to think about.  Regardless, Drive was incredibly awesome and I don’t doubt Only God Forbines won’t be any less than awesome.

Did I miss any pairs?  Ya’ll let me know, you’re more than often good at letting me know if I’ve done something wrong haha.