An argument for Rian Johnson.
His first film, Brick, was a critical smash. Johnson received special recognition, and awards, for the screenplay (which he wrote) and for his skillful direction. He won the Sundance Audience award for originality of vision and was nominated for an empire award for best newcomer, among others. Brick is a high school murder mystery, noir to its core, but simultaneously modern. Not many directors could strike such a unique balance, but Johnson made it look easy.
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His second film was The Brothers Bloom, a heist movie dripping with adventure, humor, and Americana. As with Brick, he was able to blend the classic and the contemporary in a unique setting. While the film is lighter than his debut, in both look and tone, it still packed a solid dramatic punch when need be. The screenplay unfolds like a novel, with foreshadowing and strong characterization, and Johnson again directed with precision and grace.
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Nnot a lot of people have heard of Rian Johnson, but he is an uber-talent on the indie scene, just waiting for a franchise to snatch him up. Like Nolan, pre-Batman Begins. What Superman needs is a dramatic revival, and Johnson, under Nolan's wing, is the natural storyteller to bring the Man of Steel to life.