The Inconsistent Writer

Some think he's a perverse misogynist. Other believe his features lack a certain level of quality. And, depending on the film, they'd be right. However, when given the right material, there's no one better behind the camera than the highly talented and often controversial Brian De Palma. Born in 1940, Brian De Palma famously emerged from the New Hollywood wave with the likes of Martin Scorcese, Francis Ford Coppola, George Lucas, and Steven Spielberg. Regularly grouped together, as well as famously known for all being friends, De Palma always felt like the outsider. While the others had very specific visions that they were able to provide the masses, De Palma always seemed like the one in the group who was a little too fascinated with sex and violence. This has obviously translated onto and into his films for the past 40 years. I have this strange fascination with Brian De Palma's films. I tend to geek-out on most of them, trying find each of his signature trade

All film buffs have a favorite director. I'm fairly certain you already know mine. If you don't, I'll give you a hint: Rumor has it he works part-time as the Cook County Assessor in Chicago . Most of us usually have more than one. And when going down their list of films, we tend to put them in some sort of order, usually from worst to first. Some will have personal favorites; ones that may have been critically-panned but still hold a special place in their hearts. Others may gravitate towards the ones that have been firmly established as a cult classic; maybe an underrated or overlooked gem. Then there are also those who identify with the summer blockbusters or Academy favorites. My challenge with this series is to blend all of those to create my list of their Essential Five . The first thing you need to know is this: Each list will be as democratic as possible, but please be aware that it will still hold some personal bias. There's no way to avoid this and to