RYAN COOGLER

 

Ryan Coogler is one of the few directors that comes to mind when we talk about movies based on black people or movies that rely on black culture. With his unique long shot directing style, Ryan Coogler has made a big name for himself in the industry. He has achieved great acclaim for the way he narrates stories and the way he accurately captures complicated societal concerns. 

Othen than long takes and immersive cinematography, character development also stands as a strong suit of Coogler,  he makes the audience feel a deep sense of connection with the heroes. 

One of Coogler's notable film is "Fruitvale Station" (2013) ,  that was based on the true story of Oscar Grant,  a young African American who was fatally shot by a police officer. The films raw portrayal pf society's injustice and it's impact on people showcased Coogler's ability to handle challenging subject matter. 

Coogler also directed the "Creed" Movies, namely the first and the second part, producing the third. The "Creed" movies were revitalization of the "Rocky" franchise. Both "Creed" and "Creed 2" we're and emotional, nostalgic and action packed ride with Michael B. Jordan playing Adonis Creed and Sylvester Stallone reprising his role as Rocky. The movie did an excellent job of establishing Adonis and it certainly did a beautiful job of moving forward the story of Rocky himself. Both of the movies are a roller coaster ride, and deeply connect the audience with Creed, the chemistry between Creed and Rocky is heartwarming, and it's safe to say that just like "Rocky", both the " Creed" movies are more than just a boxing or a sports movie. 

Another one of Coogler's biggest hits was Marvel's Black Panther (2018). Black Panther is considered one of the best movies in the whole Marvel Cinematic Universe. Black panther was made with sheer heart for the character and his story and the story was beautifully woven with black cultural references.

It also handled issues such as racism and colonialism and it's affects on people outside of Wakanda (the hidden nation of Black Panther) with this the movie took a firm political stance as well, which was much appreciated by the fans.

Coogler did a superb job by humanizing both the protagonist and the antagonist, giving them both motivations that the audience can stand behind and flaws that made the characters more relatable to the audience. 

To start watching Coogler's cinema, the recommendation we would give is to start with "Creed" as the movie is full of action packed drama. Then to move and see the "Black Panther" movie series

Directorial insight:

Coogler's direction process is to intimately work in collaboration with the actors. Makes changes if need, take suggestions, work with talented and honest actors, actors that'll tell you if a scene is trash. This is important to do according to him because the audience ultimately is going to relate with the actors on the screen, and of the actors don't feel the scene is working, it's likely that the audience also won't.