I agree they can do amazing action and visuals, but that is not what the core of a director should be. Actors and story are the gateway into a movie and the emotional connection. Visuals are second. Hitchcock movies may not be filled with CGI but with editing acting, and story he told some of the best ever made.
Speed Racer I disagree with, it was interesting, but I think your one of the few that will consider it to be a milestone. I don't think I've ever heard anyone claim that before. I thought it was a great visual to adapt the cartoon, but nothing that really blew me away.
Larry and Andy have one claim to fame, they have some other decent films, but honestly the general public, critics, guilds, I think really don't think highly of their other works. The Matrix Trilogy was excellent, (most only like the first) it's just one of those things that not many people said
The Matrix was a visual milestone, and a superb sci-fi one of the best. But other than that the W. Brothers are far from being considered masters of their craft.
Nolan has made many movies that are being hailed to this day. Memento, Prestige the Batman films now this. He really has not been a one hit wonder.
The best action scenes to me have nothing to do with the action themselves, if it is just pure action that is good (Bay style) and no substance no one cares. To me some one like Nolan creates some of the best action sequences (that are not top shape on the action part) but the caring for the characters and story is so much that changes the view of it.
Joker and Batman in the penthouse or interrogation room. These scenes were not the best of action. But to me their still the best action sequences I've seen in a while because of the tense feeling, and the characters feel real and connectible, so their plight feels that much more so.
To me his action has improved it's just many have become action junkies. I would rather have a film with decent action and a superb story and characters.
That is what makes up the movie. Star Wars Episode V had one of the best lightsaber duels. Yea it was not as flashy and cool looking as Episode I but it over all was a better action sequence because it had much better emotion and substance. That is where I see Nolan, he gets what the important parts of a movie are, and focuses on those. To me as well he has gotten better each time with action movies. But to me that is one little thing I could care less about.
I think sometimes when action gets too flashy it truly takes away from the story and just becomes cool for the sake of it, even in the best of action films.
We must just differ on what it means to be a director. Visuals are a part of it but way way way way way down the list for me. Story, acting, editing, are much more important than just the visuals.
So I guess we will just have to disagree on that.
