2022 will see the release of many anticipated movies directed by women, such as Don’t Worry Darling. The latter is directed by Olivia Wilde, who is one of many female actors to have gone behind the camera in addition to continuing their onscreen work as well.
There’s always great interest when a well-known name turns toward directing and it’s interesting to consider the actresses that have made this change. Whether it’s directing a biopic about Whitney Houston’s life or a fantasy film centering around a unicorn, it’s worth looking into the film credits that were helmed by popular actresses fans will instantly recognize by name.
Jada Pinkett Smith - The Human Contract (2008)
Jada Pinkett Smith is known for starring in science fiction movies like The Matrix and comedies like Girls Trip. But the actress went for a dramatic approach in her directorial debut. It's about successful but unhappy businessman Julian (Jason Clarke) who starts an affair with free-spirited Michael (Paz Vega).
Pinkett Smith also appears as the sister of Clarke’s character, in a movie also starring Idris Elba as a friend of the protagonist. The movie received mixed reviews for its extra risque content and relatively by the numbers plot, although Pinket Smith’s direction was notable since it wasn’t common at the time for well-known actresses to make the switch into directing.
Jenna Fischer - LolliLove (2004)
It’s common now for fans to be obsessed with The Office. Before that, though, she made her directorial debut and starred alongside James Gunn, her husband at the time, in LollliLove.
The movie is a mockumentary about a shallow couple who take it upon themselves to distribute lollipops to the homeless as their way of helping out the community. It received positive reviews for its satirical style and easygoing plot where deadpan humor is incorporated. With Fischer becoming a bigger name now, fans will be more interested in checking out LolliLove.
Jodie Foster - Little Man Tate (1991)
An interesting fact about Jodie Foster is that she’s an actor who has never made a sequel. But she’s been behind the camera a few times by now, with Little Man Tate as the first. Foster also stars in the movie as the mother of a child prodigy who’s having difficulties fitting into society due to his great intellect.
Little Man Tate was well received for its family-friendly premise and Foster’s sensitive direction that made the protagonist’s inability to self-actualize understandable. It depicts a heartwarming bond between mother and son, which can be viewed by audiences of all ages.
Angela Bassett - Whitney: A Tragic Love (2015)
Angela Bassett became an A-list star when she appeared as Tina Turner in What's Love Got to Do with It and her directorial debut was also a biopic about a singing legend. Whitney tells the story of the singer’s turbulent marriage to Bobby Brown amid her rising career.
The movie received mixed reviews for focusing too much on Bobby Brown’s side of things rather than fully investing itself in Whitney Houston’s life story. More positive reviews highlighted how Angela Bassett’s direction made the main characters sympathetic in their own way.
Brie Larson - Unicorn Store (2017)
Brie Larson had won an Oscar for Unicorn Store was released as her first directorial feature. It’s a whimsical story about an immature woman in her twenties who is told by a mysterious “salesman” that she can have a unicorn if she fulfills certain conditions.
The film’s colorful style was praised by critics for being a different experience, but Unicorn Store was also criticized for sending too fanciful of a message. It leaves quite a bit up to interpretation, which can be satisfying or frustrating, depending on how the viewer perceives the premise.
Elizabeth Banks - Pitch Perfect 2 (2015)
The musical series is more popular for the movies, but it also features the debut of Elizabeth Banks as a director. She directed the second movie of the trilogy, which features the Barden Bellas a capella group ing a competition to beat their rivals.
The film received mixed-to-positive reviews for its simplistic premise but cheesy execution. The songs were highlighted as the main selling point for Pitch Perfect 2, with praise going toward the choreography. Banks’ taste for slapstick comedy wasn’t as big a hit with critics but viewers appeared to enjoy it.
Angelina Jolie - A Place In Time (2007)
Angelina Jolie has directed a number of feature films like In the Land of Blood and Honey and Unbroken, but her debut as a director came with the documentary A Place in Time. It takes place across a week during which Jolie’s celebrity friends visit places like refugee camps and orphanages in different parts of the world.
Interestingly, Jolie directed the documentary in such a way that everything happens at the same time while the people are in separate countries. A Place in Time received generally positive reviews for the diverse set of personalities found in the film and Jolie’s intention to show the similarities in people regardless of where they’re from.
Maggie Gyllenhaal - The Lost Daughter (2021)
Maggie Gyllenhaal has been seen in dramas like Crazy Heart and Sherrybaby and made her debut last year directing another drama in The Lost Daughter. The story is about a depressed woman on holiday, where she sees parallels to her youth in a young mother making the same mistakes she made.
The Lost Daughter received widespread critical acclaim for showcasing flawed characters and the impact of their decisions. Gyllenhaal’s direction was well-received as well, garnering her an Oscar nomination for the way she presented a sad story in what should have been a happy backdrop of Greece.
Olivia Wilde - Booksmart (2019)
There have been many Booksmart. The buddy comedy focuses on two teenage girls who decide to break the school rules before they are set to graduate to fulfill their rebellious streaks.
Wilde’s direction was praised for taking a comedic spin on the coming-of-age genre. Booksmart is considered among the top movies of 2019 and is a representation of a new style in comedy. It also began Olivia Wilde’s turn into primarily being a director than an actress.
Greta Gerwig - Lady Bird (2017)
Greta Gerwig was known for starring in comedy dramas like Greenberg and Mistress America before making it big as a director with Lady Bird. Gerwig had directed 2008’s Nights and Weekends as well, but that was a collaborative effort with Joe Swanberg while Lady Bird was her debut as a solo director.
The movie tells the story of a high school senior who has a strained relationship with her mother and the events leading up to her graduation. Greta Gerwig was lauded for bringing out the best chemistry in the lead pair of Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf, also receiving a Best Director Oscar nomination for her efforts.
