The University of Iowa has produced relevant creative alumni who have contributed to top-shelf movies. Here are 10 movies that represent the best work these alumni have produced.
- ‘Saw Six’
Helmed by Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton, this movie is a terrifying experience smack dab in the middle of the “Saw” franchise, and decent for a movie number six down the line. The film doesn’t mess with the formula much, but it also introduces various plot twists, showing the brevity and courage each writer deploys. It was considered a financial success and stands today as a horror classic.
- ‘Avengers: Infinity War’
One-half of the Russo Brothers directing duo, Joe Russo, graduated from the school in 1992. About 25 years later, he would start finishing up one of the highest-grossing, critically acclaimed blockbuster sagas ever — the Infinity Saga, part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe — by making “Avengers: Infinity War,” a shocking epic that changed everything we knew about superhero cinema.
- ‘Rain Man’
Coming to UI with a worldly experience and a passion for business, producer Mark Johnson eventually came up with a string of hits bolstered by movies such as “Wag The Dog” and “Good Morning Vietnam,” but nothing comes close to the huge hit that was “Rain Man.” Winning four Oscars, including best picture, this movie has left a mark that somehow doesn’t come close to all that Iowa has to offer.
- ‘The Town’
Although the superb directing of Ben Affleck is typically the first thing mentioned, the quality that usually gets thrown under the table is the screenplay, written by Peter Craig. Crisp, funny, and distinctively Bostonian, “The Town” is a raucous thriller that succeeded both critically and financially, with tense shootouts, crazy robberies, and deep romance. I definitely recommend.
- ‘Star Trek II: Wrath Of Khan’
As an oldie but goodie, this film was directed by ‘60s alumnus, screenwriter Nicholas Meyer. Known as easily the best “Star Trek” project, this genre movie absolutely transformed what science fiction could be, reminding viewers that although “Star Wars” was a cultural force, the old forces of the ‘60s weren’t going down without a fight.
- ‘Juno’
A more recent involvement, this one was contributed to by screenwriter Diablo Cody, who has worked on other culturally relevant movies such as “Jennifer’s Body.” An oddball comedy about an unplanned pregnancy, the movie is modern, emotionally potent, and sweet. It’s been a fan favorite among the younger generations, showing how widespread its influence has become.
- ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’
The connection between this movie and the UI is interesting. Andrew Jackson, the VFX executive director of Weta Studios, a digital effects company in Australia known for some of the most stunning movies ever, is a UI alumnus. His visual prowess is easily identifiable in “Mad Max: Fury Road,” typically rated as the best of its year for how utterly ambitious a project it is. It goes above and beyond what any action movie ever needs to be.
- ‘A Quiet Place’
Perhaps the most talked about crew in this list, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods were the original creators of the franchise, “A Quiet Place,” although this list focuses on the first movie. The two of them were barely into their 20s when they first wrote the script, yet it’s an incredibly mature and provocative piece, upholstered by wild and innovative ideas concerning the horror/thriller genres. We have a lot of pride about this one.
- ‘The Batman’
Speaking of screenwriter Peter Craig again he was part of the writing team for the new-look, eyeliner-heavy Batman movie. This was a monster hit when it was first released, and brought in a new era of fans wishing to see more amazing character work and dramatic scenes. An absolutely excellent rendition worth checking out.
Although most people had no idea what to expect when they announced a sequel for “Top Gun” was happening, assistant director Andrew Stahl was very aware. Heading over such a gargantuan production couldn’t have been an easy task, yet the movie ended up opening to rave reviews and insane legs at the box office. Now having more projects like “Oppenheimer” under his belt, Stahl is just one of the many promising UI alumni ready to make their mark on cinema.
