There are many directors, including famous, master filmmakers, who hate their films. Some consider certain films mistakes, some cringe at the thought of the final product and others hated the experience and the delivered film so much, they pulled their name from the production. Does that mean these films are all bad? Hardly. Some were incredible box office successes, garnering impressive praise from the harshest of critics. There are even a few classics. Nonetheless, the directors were left with very sour tastes in their mouth. Here are 10 prime examples.
10. Michael Mann – HEAT
Considering the bigger picture, we’re throwing Michael Mann on here as an example of directors who hate their movies when they are re-cut for TV broadcast. Michael Mann was so vocal about his disdain for the “edited for television” Heat — a great film, which he loves and loved making — he took it to the mattresses. There are many directors who fit into this category, but none who continuously banged the drum like Mann. And he was right. It helped to offer more power and protection to directors when original works are edited for time and content. No TV audience will likely see old cuts of great films (e.g. Heat, Die Hard, Back to the Future) that have been “re-cut” as to not offend people’s eyes, ears or various schedules. It goes to show that complaining can be a good thing, when complaints are taken to the appropriate parties.
Source: Warner Bros.