Sam Mendes has been a director for the last 10 years and has directed films like Revolutionary Road, Away We Go, Jarhead, American Beauty, and most recently Skyfall.
He is best known for his work with actors who are not well-known outside of Hollywood.
For example, in Jarhead, he worked with Jake Gyllenhaal and Jamie Foxx but then on Revolutionary Road he worked with Leonardo DiCaprio.
Best Sam Mendes Movies
Let’s jump right in with a James Bond movie!
Spectre (2015)
Spectre
2015 • 2h 28min • ★ 6.6/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Cast: Daniel Craig, Christoph Waltz, Léa Seydoux, Ralph Fiennes, Monica Bellucci
A cryptic message from Bond’s past sends him on a trail to uncover a sinister organization. While M battles political forces to keep the secret service alive, Bond peels back the layers of deceit to reveal the terrible truth behind SPECTRE.
Spectre is a mixed bag of a James Bond film that tries too hard to pay homage to the franchise’s past while also trying to forge a new path.
Daniel Craig delivers another solid performance as Bond, but the script leaves something to be desired.
The film starts off strong with a thrilling opening sequence in Mexico City during the Day of the Dead festival, but then things start to drag.
The plot revolves around Bond’s pursuit of a shadowy organization known as Spectre, and while the concept is intriguing, the execution falls flat.
The villain, played by Christoph Waltz, is disappointingly underdeveloped and lacks the menacing presence of previous Bond antagonists.
Despite its flaws, Spectre still manages to deliver some impressive action set pieces, including a thrilling car chase through the streets of Rome and a spectacular helicopter sequence in the Austrian Alps.
The cinematography is also top-notch, with stunning locations and beautifully shot scenes.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Monica Bellucci (Actor)
- Sam Mendes (Director) - Jez Butterworth (Writer) - Zakaria Alaoui (Producer)
- Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned)
American Beauty (1999)
American Beauty
...Look closer.
1999 • 2h 2min • ★ 8.008/10 • United States of America
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Cast: Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, Thora Birch, Wes Bentley, Mena Suvari
Lester Burnham, a depressed suburban father in a mid-life crisis, decides to turn his hectic life around after developing an infatuation with his daughter's attractive friend.
American Beauty is a cinematic masterpiece that explores the dark underbelly of suburban life in America through the story of Lester Burnham, played brilliantly by Kevin Spacey.
The film is a scathing indictment of the American Dream, showing how the pursuit of happiness and success can lead to a life of emptiness and desperation.
Through Lester, we see the frustration and disillusionment that can come from a life that is devoid of meaning and purpose.
What sets American Beauty apart is its honesty and intensity. The film doesn’t shy away from difficult topics like sexuality, drug, and mental illness, confronts them head-on, unraid to ask uncomfortable questions or challenge societal norms.
The result is a film that is both provocative and deeply moving.
If you like Sam Mendes’s work, on our sister site AuteurGraph we have a profile page, a visual film timeline, and a ratings page that gives a tonne of info and data about their career in a visualized form.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening (Actors)
- Sam Mendes (Director) - Alan Ball (Writer) - Stan Wlodkowski (Producer)
- German, English (Playback Languages)
- German, English (Subtitles)
BEST SAM MENDES MOVIES
Who Is Sam Mendes?
Sam Mendes is the director of Skyfall, Spectre, and American Beauty. He was born in Reading, England on April 26th, 1964 to parents who were both educators.
He attended Magdalen College at Oxford University where he studied English Literature and graduated with a first-class degree before attending the Central School of Speech and Drama for further education.
Revolutionary Road (2008)
Revolutionary Road
How do you break free without breaking apart?
2008 • 1h 59min • ★ 6.987/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon, Kathryn Hahn
A young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Based on a novel by Richard Yates.
Revolutionary Road is a dark and poignant drama that explores the complexities of marriage, family, and the American Dream.
Based on the novel by Richard Yates, the film stars Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio as a couple living in the suburbs of 1950s America who become disillusioned with their mundane lives.
Winslet and DiCaprio deliver powerful performances as April and Frank Wheeler, a couple struggling to find meaning in their lives despite their seemingly perfect suburban existence.
The chemistry between the two is palpable, and their emotional journey is both heartbreaking and compelling.
Mendes’ direction is masterful, capturing the stifling atmosphere of suburban life with precision and nuance.
The film’s cinematography is equally impressive, with beautifully composed shots that capture the characters’ inner turmoil.
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The Road to Perdition (2002)
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The Road to Perdition is a masterful crime drama that leaves a lasting impact with its haunting visuals and standout performances.
Tom Hanks delivers a career-best performance as a hitman who is forced to go on the run with his son after a job goes awry.
The father-son dynamic is the heart of the film and is expertly portrayed by Hanks and newcomer Tyler Hoechlin.
The cinematography by Conrad L. Hall is stunning, with every shot feeling like it could be a painting. The use of shadows and light adds to the film’s overall mood and creates an intense sense of tension.
The supporting cast also shines, with standout performances from Jude Law as a sadistic hitman and Paul Newman as a crime boss with a soft spot for Hanks’ character.
The Road to Perdition is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and anyone who appreciates expertly crafted filmmaking.
It’s a dark and emotional journey that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
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Skyfall (2012)
Skyfall
Think on your sins.
2012 • 2h 23min • ★ 7.2/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Cast: Daniel Craig, Judi Dench, Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris
When Bond's latest assignment goes gravely wrong, agents around the world are exposed and MI6 headquarters is attacked. While M faces challenges to her authority and position from Gareth Mallory, the new Chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, it's up to Bond, aided only by field agent Eve, to locate the mastermind behind the attack.
Skyfall is a stunning entry in the James Bond franchise. The film is a perfect blend of old-school Bond tropes and modern storytelling elements.
Director Sam Mendes delivers a visually stunning movie that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
The plot revolves around Bond’s loyalty to M, played masterfully by Judi Dench, who is being targeted by a former agent seeking revenge.
Daniel Craig gives one of his best performances as Bond, showcasing both his physical and emotional range.
Javier Bardem is a standout as the villain, delivering a chilling performance that is both menacing and charismatic.
The action sequences are expertly choreographed, with a standout scene taking place on top of a moving train.
The cinematography by Roger Deakins is breathtaking, capturing the beauty of the film’s various locations.
Skyfall is not just a great Bond film, but a great film in general. It’s a must-watch for fans of the franchise and action enthusiasts alike.
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1917 (2019)
1917
Time is the enemy.
2019 • 1h 59min • ★ 8/10 • India
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Cast: George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong, Andrew Scott, Richard Madden
At the height of the First World War, two young British soldiers must cross enemy territory and deliver a message that will stop a deadly attack on hundreds of soldiers.
The film follows two young soldiers, Schofield and Blake, as they are tasked with delivering an urgent message to another battalion to prevent a massacre.
The entire film is shot to look like one continuous take, which adds to the sense of urgency and danger.
The performances by George MacKay and Dean-Charles Chapman as Schofield and Blake, respectively, are outstanding.
The audience feels their fear, exhaustion, and determination as they navigate through the brutal realities of war.
The supporting cast, including Colin Firth, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Mark Strong, are all excellent in their roles.
The cinematography by Roger Deakins is breathtaking, capturing the beauty and horror of war in equal measure.
The score by Thomas Newman complements the visuals perfectly, enhancing the emotional impact of each scene.
![1917 [4K UHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51THm2tH+bL.jpg)
- George MacKay, Dean-Charles Chapman, Mark Strong (Actors)
- Sam Mendes (Director) - Sam Mendes (Producer)
- French, Spanish (Subtitles)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Jarhead (2005)
Jarhead
Welcome to the suck.
2005 • 2h 3min • ★ 6.668/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx, Peter Sarsgaard, Scott MacDonald, Chris Cooper
Jarhead is a film about a US Marine Anthony Swofford’s experience in the Gulf War. After putting up with an arduous boot camp, Swofford and his unit are sent to the Persian Gulf where they are eager to fight, but are forced to stay back from the action. Swofford struggles with the possibility of his girlfriend cheating on him, and as his mental state deteriorates, his desire to kill increases.
Jarhead is a gripping war drama that provides a unique and introspective look into the lives of soldiers during the Gulf War.
The film follows the story of Anthony Swofford (Jake Gyllenhaal), a young Marine who is sent to the Persian Gulf to fight in the first Gulf War.
the struggles and frustrations of these soldiers as they wait for their chance to fight, and the psychological impact of being in a warzone.
What makes Jarhead stand out is its honesty and realism. The film doesn’t glorify war or present it as a heroic endeavor.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Chris Cooper, Dennis Haysbert, Lucas Black (Actors)
- Sam Mendes (Director) - William Broyles Jr. (Writer) - Lucy Fisher (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
Away We Go (2009)
Away We Go
2009 • 1h 38min • ★ 6.657/10 • United Kingdom
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Cast: John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Carmen Ejogo, Catherine O'Hara, Jeff Daniels
Verona and Burt have moved to Colorado to be close to Burt's parents but, with Verona expecting their first child, Burt's parents inexplicably decide to move to Belgium, now leaving them in a place they hate and without a support structure in place. They set off on a whirlwind tour of of disparate locations where they have friends or relatives, sampling not only different cities and climates but also different families. Along the way they realize that the journey is less about discovering where they want to live and more about figuring out what type of parents they want to be.
Away We Go is a heartfelt, honest, and charming film that explores the complexities of adulthood and parenthood with humor and sensitivity.
What makes Away We Go so special is its ability to balance humor and drama in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
The film tackles issues like parenthood, marriage, friendship, and loss, and does so with a light touch that never feels heavy-handed.
Krasinski and Rudolph have incredible chemistry and give nuanced performances that capture the ups and downs of their relationship.
The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Allison Janney, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Catherine O’Hara.
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- John Krasinski, Maya Rudolph, Jeff Daniels (Actors)
- Sam Mendes (Director) - Dave Eggers (Writer) - Edward Saxon (Producer)
- Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Best Sam Mendes Movies – The Most Important Shot In Road To Perdition
In the film Road To Perdition, Tom Hanks plays a man who is trying to get his family back together.
He must also deal with his son’s death and how he will be able to survive in this world on the run from mafia hitmen.
The most important shot in the movie was when they were escaping from Chicago and Michael Sullivan Jr.’s mother (played by Jennifer Jason Leigh) was driving away with her two sons strapped into the car seats behind her.
The camera pans out at a low angle as she drives off into the distance, leaving everything that has ever mattered behind them.
Quotes From Sam Mendes Characters
There are many great quotes from Sam Mendes’ characters. They include:
“You know, I’m a total sucker for a good quote.”
“I love you and I want to marry you and have your children. And I don’t just want to be friends with you anymore.”
“I think we should get married,” he said in his low voice as if it were something that had only just occurred to him. “And that’s not an offer of marriage.”
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