17 times we see the director of the movie in a leading role

Some directors in the movies go beyond the task of directing from behind the camera to also appearing in front of it. These versatile beings lend an unusual authenticity to their films, directing and starring in them, giving audiences fleeting insights into their artistic vision and storytelling ability. By writing the story and playing one of its main characters, directors showcase yet another facet of their talent. Here are 17 of such interesting situations in which directors have not merely directed the film; rather, they have been involved with equal prominence as actors in the film.

17) Spike Lee (Do The Right Thing, 1989)

Spike Lee is a prime example of a director who excelled both behind and in front of the camera in his critically acclaimed film, Do The Right Thing (1989). Lee wrote the screenplay, produced, and directed the film while also playing one of the lead characters Mookie, a young African-American man working at a pizzeria in Brooklyn. Lee's portrayal of Mookie was centrally critical to the narrative of the film and served to powerfully symbolize the film's themes of racial tension and social justice.

16) Jacques Tati (Playtime, 1967)

French director Jacques Tati is regarded as one of the greatest directors of all time and is known for appearing in many of his own films as the lead actor. A character that is synonymous with his name is Monsieur Hulot which was part of several films directed by him. One of those films is Playtime in which he played the lead character and also directed. In this film, Tati's character Hulot tries to navigate through a modernized version of Paris.

15) Stephen Chow (Kung Fu Hustle, 2004)

Stephen Chow is another great example of a director who is known for playing lead characters in his own directed films. For instance, in the 2004 movie Kung Fu Hustle, Chow directed and played the lead character of Sing, who stumbles into trouble with the infamous Axe Gang. Chow has masterfully blended comedy with martial arts in this movie underlining his many talents and distinct style of directing.

14) Cooper Raiff (Cha Cha Real Smooth, 2022)

Cooper Raiff is an up-and-coming director and has already made a mark in Hollywood with his movies Shithouse and Cha Cha Real Smooth. In the 2022 movie, Cha Cha Real Smooth, he portrayed the role of Andrew, a party organizer. Along the way, he forms an unusual friendship with a young mother, Domino, played by Dakota Johnson, and her teenage daughter. Raiff's involvement in multiple roles shows his talent and dedication to telling a heartfelt and funny story.

13) Josh and Benny Safdie (Good Time, 2017)

The Uncut Gems directors, Josh and Benny Safdie directed the crime thriller, Good Time which stars Benny Safdie in one of the lead roles as Nick Nikas along with Robert Pattinson as Connie. The plot follows Nick's brother Connie who is trying to get Nick out of jail after a botched bank robbery. The Safdie brothers' involvement in both directing and acting in the film adds a personal touch and depth to the story, showcasing their talent in multiple aspects of filmmaking.

12) Lucio Fulci (Cat In The Brain, 1990)

The veteran Italian director Lucio Fulci directed movies of various genres but is known for Horror films. One of these films is Cat In The Brain. Besides directing the film, he also played the lead character. In the movie, Fulci plays a horror movie director who begins to experience frightening visions and violent thoughts. Throughout the movie, he goes to a psychiatrist for help; however, unbeknownst to him, the psychiatrist is actually a serial killer. The movie blends horror with dark humor and portrays Fulci's struggles with the effects of making gory movies.

11) Sergei Bondarchuk (War And Peace)

Sergei Bondarchuk was a famous Soviet and Russian director in the mid and late-20th century. Know for making period and historical films, he directed and starred in his film adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel War And Peace. He played the titular role of Pierre Bezukhov. This film earned him numerous accolades including a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award.

10) Zach Braff (Garden State, 2004)

The Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor, Zach Braff, also dabbled into direction. In the film Garden State, which he wrote, directed, and also starred in as Andrew Langerman, returns to his hometown of New Jersey for his mother's funeral and reconnects with his past. Braff's performance as Andrew is touching and relatable, and his direction gives the film a unique, heartfelt feel.

9) Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born, 2018)

Bradley Cooper has shown us his acting talent for many years now and in 2018 he showcased his other talent by getting behind the camera. The movie A Star Is Born was his directorial debut in which he also starred in the lead role with Lady Gaga. In the film, he played Jackson Maine, a seasoned musician who falls for the young singer, Gaga's Ally. Cooper's performance and direction are central to the movie's emotional depth and storytelling. He managed to balance both roles, showcasing his talent as an actor and filmmaker.

8) Kenneth Branagh (Much Ado About Nothing, 1993)

Kenneth Branagh belongs to this list of directors as he has appeared in many of his directorial ventures as the lead actor. In the film Much Ado About Nothing, Branagh plays Benedick, one of the main characters. The movie is a lively adaptation of William Shakespeare's play, and Branagh's performance, along with his direction, brings the story to life. He managed to balance his roles as both actor and director, showcasing his versatile talent and deep understanding of Shakespearean drama.

7) Mel Gibson ( Braveheart,1995)

The Academy Award-winning director Mel Gibson played the lead role in his directorial debut film The Man Without A Face. Braveheart marks his second film which he directed, produced, and starred as the lead in the movie, portraying Sir William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who led a rebellion challenging English domination. Gibson's performance is powerful and charismatic, while his direction brings epic battles and emotional depth to the story. His dual role as both the lead actor and director showcases his talent and dedication to bringing this historical drama to life.

6) Warren Beatty (Reds, 1981)

Warren Beatty donned the role of both director and lead actor in many of his films. One of those films is Reds. In the movie, Beatty plays the lead role of John Reed, an American journalist and communist activist who documented the Russian Revolution in his book Ten Days That Shook the World. Beatty's performance is compelling, and his direction brought a sweeping historical epic to life. His work in the movie showcases his ability to handle both acting and directing responsibilities, making it a significant achievement in his career.

5) Ben Affleck (Argo, 2012)

Ben Affleck's directorial debut was Gone Baby Gone. The film Argo is his second where he directed and also had a lead role. In the film, Affleck's Tony Mendez, who becomes a CIA agent involves himself in a high-risk operation to rescue six Americans during the Iran hostage crisis. Affleck's performance becomes intense and gripping, and his direction increases the suspense and drama of the storyline. The fact that he is involved in both directing and acting bears witness to his talent and ability to navigate through the complexities of narrative and character.

4) Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Franchise)

Sylvester Stallone earns a spot on this list with the Rocky series since he directed and starred in several of its sequels. While he did not direct the original Rocky (1976), he's credited with the dual role in Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV, and Rocky Balboa. Stallone's portrayal of Rocky Balboa as the underdog boxer is legendary, and by directing the films at the same time, Stallone demonstrated his versatility and commitment to the character. The films showcased his dual talents, thus making the "Rocky" series a major part of his career.

3) Woody Allen (Annie Hall, 1977)

One of the most renowned directors of Hollywood, Woody Allen has appeared in several of his movies. In the film, Annie Hall, which he co-wrote, directed, and also starred in as Alvy Singer, a neurotic comedian navigating a complicated relationship with Annie Hall, played by Diane Keaton. Allen's hilarious and charming performance as Alvy was complemented by his unique, innovative directorial style for a romantic comedy. The film earned many accolades including Academy Awards and Golden Globes for Allen and Keaton.

2) Clint Eastwood (Unforgiven, 1992)

Clint Eastwood fits this list of directors perfectly with his film Unforgiven because he both directed and starred in it. Eastwood plays the retired gunslinger William Munny, who accepts one last job in order to provide for his children. Eastwood's performance as Munny is intense and gripping, complemented by his direction, which imbibes the Western with gritty realism. Eastwood earned the Academy Award for Best Director for this film.

1) Orson Wells (Citizen Kane, 1941)

The legendary director Orson Welles also starred in his legendary film Citizen Kane in the titular role of Charles Forster Kane. Regarded as one the best Hollywood movies, the film tells the story of the life of Welles's Kane- a wealthy and powerful newspaper magnate, as told from the perspectives of those who knew him. The film is renowned for its innovative way of storytelling and Welles's performance as the iconic Kane. Citizen Kane is considered one of the greatest films ever made, cementing Welles's place in cinema history.