When you think of Danny DeVito, your mind might first go to his memorable performances on screen, like his early work in a hospital setting or his later part in a long-running comedy series about a group of friends in Philadelphia. He’s been a familiar face, more or less, since the 1970s, making people laugh and sometimes think with his unique way of acting. What some folks might not fully realize, though, is that his creative contributions go far beyond just being in front of the camera; he has also spent a good deal of time guiding stories as a filmmaker.
It’s actually quite something to consider how many different hats a person in the entertainment business can wear, and Danny DeVito is a really good example of that. He’s not just someone who delivers lines or reacts to other performers; he’s also someone who shapes the entire look and feel of a movie. You know, he’s been involved in the making of motion pictures in a directorial capacity for many years, showing a real knack for storytelling from a different angle.
So, we’re going to take a closer look at the movies that Danny DeVito directed, from the ones that hit the big screens to some of his shorter film efforts. This will give us a chance to see how his vision translated into completed projects, and perhaps even spot some common threads in the stories he chose to bring to life. We’ll cover a bit about his life and then get right into the list of films that are Danny DeVito directed movies.
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Table of Contents
- Danny DeVito - A Life in Pictures
- What Makes Danny DeVito Directed Movies Unique?
- How Did Danny DeVito Get Started Directing Movies?
- Feature Films - Danny DeVito Directed Movies
- Are There Any Hidden Gems Among Danny DeVito Directed Movies?
- Shorter Film Creations - Danny DeVito Directed Movies
- What Is the Best Way to Experience Danny DeVito Directed Movies?
- Why Are Some Actors Drawn to Directing Danny DeVito Directed Movies?
Danny DeVito - A Life in Pictures
Danny DeVito, born on November 17, 1944, is an American performer, someone who makes people laugh, a person who guides films, and a person who puts together film projects. He first got a lot of public attention for playing a character named Louie De Palma on a television show called *Taxi*. For that particular part, he received a couple of big awards, one from the Golden Globe group and another from the Emmy group. This really put him on the map, you know, as a performer with a lot of skill.
He has been involved in films since the 1970s, making a name for himself with roles that often stood out. For instance, in 1975, he appeared alongside a very well-known actor in a film about a rebellious individual sent to a hospital setting. That picture, *One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest*, was a big deal, and it really helped solidify his presence in the movie business. As a matter of fact, his work in that film was part of why he later received those important awards.
Beyond his acting, Danny DeVito also started a company that puts together film projects. He did this with his wife, Rhea Perlman. This company, called Jersey Films, shows his interest in the business side of making movies, not just performing in them. It’s pretty clear he has a broad interest in how stories get told on screen, from beginning to end, which includes the financial and organizational aspects, too.
In more recent times, specifically in 2006, he went back to working on a television series. This was for a comedy show on FX called *It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia*, which started in 2005. His presence on that show brought a fresh energy to it, and he has continued to be a regular part of the cast. So, you can see, his career has really spanned many different types of creative endeavors over the years, from acting in big movies to guiding his own projects and even returning to television.
Personal Details and Bio Data
Full Name | Daniel Michael DeVito Jr. |
Born | November 17, 1944 |
Place of Birth | Neptune Township, New Jersey, USA |
Occupations | Actor, Comedian, Director, Producer |
Active Since | 1970s |
Spouse | Rhea Perlman |
Production Company | Jersey Films (co-founded) |
What Makes Danny DeVito Directed Movies Unique?
When someone steps behind the camera, they bring their own way of seeing things to the story. For Danny DeVito, his work as a director often has a certain feel to it, a kind of signature. For instance, a film called *Duplex* has many of the qualities that people associate with a good picture that he has guided. It’s almost as if he leaves a specific mark on the films he helps create. This could be in the way characters are presented, or the kind of humor that comes through, or even the overall mood of the story.
His directing style, from what we can gather, seems to favor stories with a bit of an edge, or perhaps characters who are a little outside the usual. Think about a story involving a person who breaks rules, someone sent to a mental health facility, who then inspires others to stand up for themselves. That kind of narrative, where individuals challenge authority, seems to be something that he finds interesting to explore. It’s a way of looking at the world that is, you know, a little bit different.
You can see this sort of sensibility in the types of projects he has chosen to direct. They often involve characters in unusual situations or stories that have a dark humor running through them. It’s not always about things being straightforward; sometimes, there’s a twist or a slightly off-kilter perspective that makes his directed films stand out. This approach, in some respects, sets his directorial work apart from many others.
How Did Danny DeVito Get Started Directing Movies?
It’s a common thing for performers who have spent a lot of time in front of the camera to eventually try their hand at guiding a film. After all, they’ve seen how many different directors work, and they’ve learned a lot about storytelling from the inside out. Danny DeVito, for instance, began his journey as a director quite some time ago, even while he was still very active as an actor. His first short film was made in 1973, which means he was thinking about directing very early in his professional life.
His early directorial efforts, like those short films from the 1970s, were perhaps a way for him to explore this different side of his creative abilities. It’s like trying out a new skill, or, you know, seeing if you have a knack for something else. These early projects probably gave him the confidence and the practical experience he needed to eventually take on bigger feature films. It’s a natural progression for many who are deeply involved in the world of film creation.
The fact that he founded a production company with his wife also shows a clear intent to be more involved in the making of movies from the ground up. Jersey Films wasn't just about acting projects; it was about creating and developing films. This step, you could say, cemented his commitment to directing and producing. It’s a sign that he wasn't just dabbling; he was serious about being a filmmaker in a broader sense, which includes being a person who directs Danny DeVito directed movies.
Feature Films - Danny DeVito Directed Movies
Danny DeVito has a number of feature-length films where he was the one guiding the production. These are the movies that played in cinemas and became widely known. His list of directorial works includes some pictures that many people remember. For example, he directed *Throw Momma from the Train*, which came out in 1987. That film, you know, was a comedy with a bit of a dark twist, a kind of story that seemed to fit his particular sense of humor.
Then, in 1989, he guided *The War of the Roses*. This one was about a couple going through a rather messy separation, and it really showed a different side to his directing. It was, in some respects, a more intense and dramatic story, though still with comedic elements. This film, too, featured well-known actors, which is often the case with the projects he chooses to direct. It allowed him to explore complex human relationships on screen.
Another significant film he directed was *Hoffa*, released in 1992. This picture was a biographical story, a much more serious undertaking than his previous comedies. It shows his willingness to tackle different kinds of stories and his ability to work with a wide range of material. This particular film, you know, was a big production and required a steady hand to bring such a historical figure’s story to the screen. It was a notable addition to the collection of Danny DeVito directed movies.
Moving into the new century, he directed *Death to Smoochy* in 2002. This was a return to a more comedic, albeit dark, style. It had a unique premise involving children's television and some rather grown-up themes. It's a picture that, frankly, has a very distinct tone and a lot of memorable moments. His choice to direct this film really highlights his comfort with humor that pushes boundaries a little bit.
There's also *Duplex*, a film that came out later. This picture, as mentioned before, carries many of the characteristics that make a film he guides stand out. It’s about a couple dealing with a difficult neighbor, and it gets into some really funny, if slightly uncomfortable, situations. This movie, in fact, has a very specific kind of humor that fans of his work often appreciate. It’s a good example of his continued interest in quirky, character-driven stories.
And then there’s an earlier film he directed and also appeared in, from the 1980s, called *The Ratings Game*. This one was also known as *The Mogul*. In this picture, Danny DeVito plays a person who works in the trucking business but has some truly wild ideas for television programs. He figures out a way to influence how TV shows are rated and, as a result, builds a big creative enterprise. If you can find this one, it’s really something to see. It’s a very funny look at the television industry, and it's quite a unique entry in the list of Danny DeVito directed movies.
Are There Any Hidden Gems Among Danny DeVito Directed Movies?
Sometimes, films don’t get as much attention as others, even if they’re quite good. It’s like finding a special piece of art that not everyone knows about. When we look at the films Danny DeVito has directed, there are a few that might be considered less widely seen but are still worth checking out. For instance, *The Ratings Game* is one that comes to mind, as it’s not as often discussed as some of his bigger pictures, yet it offers a really interesting look at his comedic sensibilities as a director. It's, you know, a bit of a cult classic for some.
Another way to think about hidden gems among Danny DeVito directed movies is to consider how different people rate them. There are groups of film lovers who vote on their favorite movies, and sometimes their choices highlight films that might have been overlooked by the general public. It’s a way of discovering new favorites, or perhaps rediscovering ones you hadn’t thought much about before. These lists often provide a fresh perspective on a director's entire body of work.
It’s also worth remembering that some of his films might resonate differently with various viewers. What one person considers a standout, another might find less appealing. But the beauty of having a collection of films, like the ones Danny DeVito has directed, is that there’s usually something for different tastes. So, if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary from his directing career, you might just find it by exploring his full filmography, perhaps even those that are not always at the top of the popular lists.
Shorter Film Creations - Danny DeVito Directed Movies
Beyond the full-length movies, Danny DeVito has also spent time directing shorter film projects. These are often a place where filmmakers can experiment with ideas or tell a story in a more concise way. He has directed eight of these shorter films between 1973 and 2016. It’s pretty interesting to see how many of them came out in a relatively short period, with five of them being released across 2010 and 2011. This shows a burst of creative energy in that particular timeframe, you know, a real period of productivity.
Here’s a list of those shorter films that are Danny DeVito directed movies, presented in the order they were made:
- The Sound Sleeper (1973)
- Minestrone (1975)
- Oh Those Lips (2010)
- Evil Eye (2010)
- Poison Tongue (2011)
- Skin Deep (2011)
- Nest of Vipers (2011)
- Curmudgeons (2016)
These shorter works provide a different lens through which to view his directing skills. They might be more focused on a single idea or a specific character moment. It’s a chance to see his storytelling abilities in a more condensed form, which can be just as impactful as a longer film. They really add another layer to his overall creative output as a director.
What Is the Best Way to Experience Danny DeVito Directed Movies?
To truly get a sense of Danny DeVito’s work as a director, it’s helpful to see his films in different ways. Some people like to watch them in the order they were released, which gives you a feeling for how his style might have changed or developed over time. This chronological approach can show you, for instance, his earlier roles and smaller parts, and then how he moved into bigger, more substantial performances later in his career. It’s a bit like watching an artist’s journey unfold.
Others might prefer to look at lists that rank his directed films, perhaps from those considered the "best" to those that were less well-received by film enthusiasts. These rankings, often put together by people who really love movies, can give you a starting point if you’re not sure where to begin. They might even include pictures of movie posters or short previews, which can help you decide what to watch next. It’s a good way to get a quick overview, you know, of what people generally think of his work.
And, of course, the most direct way to experience Danny DeVito directed movies is simply to watch them. Many of his films are available on various viewing platforms, whether through streaming services or by finding them for purchase or rental. Exploring his complete film history, including both his acting and directing credits, is a great way to appreciate the full scope of his contributions to the world of entertainment. It’s really about finding what works for you and then just enjoying the stories he helped bring to life.
Why Are Some Actors Drawn to Directing Danny DeVito Directed Movies?
It’s a pretty common thing to see actors, after spending years in front of the camera, decide to step behind it and guide a film themselves. There are several reasons why this happens, and Danny DeVito is a good example of this kind of transition. One reason is that actors gain a lot of insight into the filmmaking process just by being on set for so long. They see how different directors work, how scenes are put together, and how performances are shaped. This practical learning is, you know, incredibly valuable.
Another factor is the desire for more creative control. As an actor, you’re often bringing someone else’s vision to life. But as a director, you get to be the main storyteller, making the big decisions about the look, the feel, and the overall message of the film. This allows for a deeper personal expression, a chance to really put your own stamp on a project. For someone like Danny DeVito, who has such a distinct personality and vision, it makes sense that he would want to take on this kind of role. It’s a way to really express his full artistic range.
Also, some actors might feel a pull to explore different aspects of storytelling. Directing offers a chance to work with a broader range of elements, from guiding performances to overseeing the camera work, the editing, and the music. It’s a much more comprehensive creative role. So, for many actors, including those who have made Danny DeVito directed movies, becoming a director is a natural next step in their artistic journey, allowing them to use all the knowledge and experience they’ve gathered over the years in a new and exciting way.
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