Every once in a while, a film catches us completely off guard. We think we know a director’s style, their pet themes, their overall vision. But even the most consistent auteurs can surprise us by trying something completely new. Expectations? Thrown out the window!
Sometimes it works brilliantly, sometimes… not so much. Either way, it’s fascinating to see filmmakers step outside their comfort zones. Here are 10 famous directors who took a sharp turn, delivering a film that feels totally out of sync with the rest of their work. Whether pushed by outside forces, doing a favor, or just needing a change, these movies definitely came out of nowhere.
Hugo (2011)
Martin Scorsese. What comes to mind? Gritty crime dramas, the exploration of the American underworld, themes of redemption and violence. Think Goodfellas, The Departed, The Irishman. Usually starring Robert De Niro or Leonardo DiCaprio, his films are intense and definitely not for kids.
Then, in 2011, Scorsese released Hugo. A children’s book adaptation, shot in 3D, set in 1930s Paris? It tells the story of Hugo Cabret, a young boy living in the walls of a train station, maintaining clocks and trying to fix a broken automaton. No DiCaprio, no De Niro, and definitely no mob hits.
Why the sudden change? Scorsese said his wife wanted him to make a film their 12-year-old daughter could actually watch. Awww! [1]
The Straight Story (1999)
David Lynch is the king of surreal, mind-bending cinema. Eraserhead, Blue Velvet, Mulholland Drive… his films are known for dreamlike imagery, complex themes, and a healthy dose of the bizarre. He’s the master of making you question reality.
So, how does a director known for narrative chaos and unreliable narrators keep things interesting? By making a film that’s the complete opposite. The Straight Story is about Alvin (Richard Farnsworth), a WWII vet who travels 240 miles on a John Deere lawn tractor to visit his estranged brother.
It’s a simple, heartfelt road movie about connection and humanity. What makes it even more unusual is that it’s the only Lynch film he didn’t write himself. His then-girlfriend, Mary Sweeney, wrote the script and convinced him to direct it. [2]
School of Rock (2003)
Richard Linklater is known for experimental films like A Scanner Darkly and the groundbreaking Boyhood. He often tackles philosophical themes in movies like the Before trilogy and Waking Life. He’s always pushing boundaries and trying new things.
Enter School of Rock. A children’s musical comedy starring Jack Black as Dewey Finn, a rock ‘n’ roll enthusiast who poses as a substitute teacher and forms a band with his students. It’s fun, energetic, and about as far from Linklater’s usual fare as you can get.
While it might seem out of place in his filmography, School of Rock is a well-crafted and entertaining movie. Apparently, nobody, including Linklater himself, initially wanted him to direct it. But producer Scott Rudin insisted, believing he was the right person for the job. [3]
Eternals (2021)
Chloé Zhao became a critical darling with Nomadland in 2020. Known for social realism, beautiful visuals and character-driven stories, she creates films that are intimate and thought-provoking.
Then came Eternals, a big-budget Marvel movie. With a massive cast, global scale, and tons of CGI, it was unlike anything Zhao had done before. Fans expecting a nuanced superhero drama in the style of Nomadland were largely disappointed, and the film received mixed reviews.
Zhao, however, sees Eternals as a natural progression of her style, blending indie sensibilities with the demands of a large studio production. [4]
Aladdin (2019)
Guy Ritchie made his name with gritty, fast-paced gangster films like Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch. His films are typically filled with tough guys, violence, and a distinctly British sensibility.
Then, he directed Aladdin, the live-action remake of the Disney classic. It’s a far cry from the mean streets of London. The director’s signature style is replaced by bright colors, CGI, and family-friendly fun. There’s not a single foul-mouthed cockney in sight.
Like Scorsese and Lynch, Ritchie was drawn to the idea of making something his whole family could enjoy. Also, Disney probably made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. [5]
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
Garth Jennings started out directing music videos for bands like Pulp, Blur, and R.E.M. He also directed the indie comedy Son of Rambow and the animated musicals Sing and Sing 2. But his most notable film is probably The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.
It’s an absurd sci-fi comedy based on Douglas Adams’ beloved book. Loaded with British humor, a great cast, and a real love for the source material, you’d expect this to define Jennings’ career. But it didn’t.
Jennings’ work has been pretty diverse since then, but he hasn’t returned to anything quite like Hitchhiker’s Guide. He didn’t even want to make it at first, feeling the Hollywood system would ruin it. But the script won him over. [6]
The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Irvin Kershner was known for character-driven dramas and comedies long before he took the helm of the Star Wars sequel. George Lucas, a former student of Kershner’s, chose him to direct The Empire Strikes Back, as Lucas felt directing wasn’t for him at the time.
Lucas provided the story and oversaw the production, while Kershner directed the film. Together, they rewrote the script and edited the final cut. The result? Many consider it the best film in the entire franchise. However, it shifted Kershner’s career towards bigger studio movies, though he never made another space movie. [7]
The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)
Eli Roth was a master of splatter horror before he made this film. We’re talking Cabin Fever, Hostel, The Green Inferno. These movies are not for the faint of heart. So, it was a surprise when he decided to direct a children’s fantasy comedy starring Jack Black.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls follows a young orphan who goes to live with his eccentric uncle in a magical house. Roth said he was inspired by films like E.T. and Poltergeist, seeing a connection between horror and family fantasy. And Steven Spielberg, a fan of Hostel, agreed. Still, it’s a pretty big departure for Roth. [8]
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2010)
M. Night Shyamalan is famous for his plot twists. Since The Sixth Sense, he’s been making tense psychological thrillers and horror films that keep you guessing until the very end. Critics may not always love them, but he’s consistent.
Except for Avatar: The Last Airbender. Based on the popular animated series, the film failed to capture the magic of its source material. It was a critical disappointment, and Shyamalan hasn’t made anything like it since.
Shyamalan admitted he took on Avatar to escape the criticism he was receiving for his twist-laden horror films. He wanted to “join the system” and play it safe, which clearly didn’t work out. [9]
Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)
Rian Johnson made a name for himself in the mystery genre with films like Brick, The Brothers Bloom, Looper, and Knives Out. So, how did he end up directing one of the biggest space blockbusters of all time?
The Last Jedi picks up where The Force Awakens left off… and then subverts all expectations. The film shocked audiences by killing off the main villain early and turning its hero into, well, not much of a hero. It was divisive, to say the least.
Johnson wasn’t the first choice to direct. Kathleen Kennedy initially wanted J.J. Abrams to direct the entire trilogy, but when he declined, she turned to Johnson. Ironically, Abrams was eventually brought back to direct the final film, The Rise of Skywalker, which attempted to appease the fans who disliked Johnson’s approach. After all the controversy, it’s understandable that Johnson hasn’t returned to sci-fi since. [10]
These films prove that even the most established directors can surprise us. Whether for personal reasons, a change of pace, or simply a good opportunity, these unexpected films offer a fascinating glimpse into the minds of some of cinema’s most creative figures.
What do you think about these unexpected movies? Which one surprised you the most? Leave your comment below!
