Top five greatest directors as commentators

Barry Germansky
Staff Writer
For film buffs, a DVD commentary track can be a goldmine for fascinating insights into their favourite films.
Unfortunately, not many filmmakers have the proper commentating skills down pat. They often get annoyingly off-topic, leave long breaks or do not comment on what is happening on screen at all. To save you, film fanatic, some precious viewing time, here’s a list of the greatest directors-as-commentators and their tracks.
1. (Tie) Sidney Lumet: Also known as the actor’s director, Lumet is everything one could want in a DVD commentator. He’s always patient, overflowing with passion and knows exactly how to communicate with people. Over the course of his prolific career, Lumet has directed more great actors in their best roles than any other filmmaker.
Greatest Tracks: Dog Day Afternoon (1975), Network (1976).
(Tie) Oliver Stone: You want controversy? With Oliver Stone, you’re going to get it. At least, you will in the movies from his heyday (1986 to 1995). You’re also going to get every filmmaking detail you could ever want in his commentary tracks.
Greatest Tracks: Platoon (1986), Born on the Fourth of July (1989), JFK (1991), Nixon (1995).
2. Ridley Scott: You can always rely on Britain’s most highly acclaimed living director to give you a good talking to. He always speaks with conviction and covers a wide range of filmmaking topics.
Greatest Tracks: Alien (1979), Blade Runner (1982), Thelma and Louise (1991), Gladiator (2000).
3. James Toback: This rebellious brainiac’s commentaries are actually more fascinating than some of his audacious, sex-filled indie movies.
Greatest Tracks: Fingers (1978), Two Girls and a Guy (1997), Harvard Man (2001).
4. Francis Ford Coppola: It’s always a treat to hear a master talk about how he created some of the greatest films ever made. He isn’t ranked higher due to his tendency to leave long pauses.
Greatest Tracks: The Godfather (1972), The Godfather: Part II (1974), Apocalypse Now (1979), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992).
5. Anthony Minghella: The late British director died suddenly in 2008 at the age of 54. He made great movies and gave equally great commentaries.
Greatest Tracks: The English Patient (1996), The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999).