The Directors

The programme examines the life and career of John Frankenheimer, a film director. It surveys his notable works, which include Birdman of Alcatraz, The Manchurian Candidate, French Connection II, Black Sunday and Ronin. Through these titles the series presents an overview of his contributions to cinema.

The programme presents a comprehensive look at John Frankenheimer, the American director whose career left a lasting imprint on cinema. It charts his professional journey, offering insight into the milestones that defined his path, and provides a chronological narrative that maps his development as a filmmaker. Viewers are guided through the key phases of his life, from early beginnings to his later achievements. The core of the series centres on Frankenheimer's filmography, highlighting the movies he helmed. Among the titles featured are Birdman of Alcatraz, The Manchurian Candidate, French Connection II, Black Sunday and Ronin. Each installment examines how these works fit into his overall body of work, and the series also outlines the production context of each title, showing how they fit into his evolving style. The programme also touches on the range of genres he tackled, from prison drama to political thriller, from crime sequel to disaster film and finally to high‑octane action. By juxtaposing these projects, the series illustrates the breadth of subjects Frankenheimer approached throughout his career, and these projects span different decades, reflecting changes in both the industry and his artistic choices. Overall, the series offers a structured overview of Frankenheimer's contributions to film, presenting his major works in a clear, chronological framework. It serves as a resource for anyone interested in understanding the scope of his directing portfolio without venturing beyond the listed titles, and the programme's layout follows the order in which the films were released, giving viewers a clear sense of progression.