Austria, Film & the influence on Hollywood.
Austria is a small country and films coming from here (except some rare exceptions) are not very famous. But Austria has some directors which are able to win in Cannes, some even won Oscars, there are some great documentary movie makers and this country is also well known for its avantgarde films.
Thinking about it… quite astonishing for such a tiny country. What is also not so well known is that Austria had a huge impact on Hollywood. Some important directors flew from the Nazis, others left because cheap productions from the USA destroyed huge parts of the film industry of Europe and they wanted to work under better conditions.
Here is a list of chosen films of such persons, which have strong connections to Austria. Most of them would say they are Americans and i have no intention to say something else, just that they are coming from here and that Austria was important in their lives. Just… that some of those people spent important youth years in this country in the middle of Europe.
Its a selected list of films of directors and actors… and even one filmmusic composer got mentioned.
Like in all countries, there are a lot of films which are hard to understand if you dont know the country and the language well. All this Austrian films for Austrians are listed at the end. Most of them are comedies and Austrians humor is very much based on the speach, so its sometimes impossible to understand the jokes if you are not fluently in Austrian german. But if you are really interested in Austrian films, you can give it a try.
All films are listed by the imdb-ratings, from best to worst.
Thinking about it… quite astonishing for such a tiny country. What is also not so well known is that Austria had a huge impact on Hollywood. Some important directors flew from the Nazis, others left because cheap productions from the USA destroyed huge parts of the film industry of Europe and they wanted to work under better conditions.
Here is a list of chosen films of such persons, which have strong connections to Austria. Most of them would say they are Americans and i have no intention to say something else, just that they are coming from here and that Austria was important in their lives. Just… that some of those people spent important youth years in this country in the middle of Europe.
Its a selected list of films of directors and actors… and even one filmmusic composer got mentioned.
Like in all countries, there are a lot of films which are hard to understand if you dont know the country and the language well. All this Austrian films for Austrians are listed at the end. Most of them are comedies and Austrians humor is very much based on the speach, so its sometimes impossible to understand the jokes if you are not fluently in Austrian german. But if you are really interested in Austrian films, you can give it a try.
All films are listed by the imdb-ratings, from best to worst.
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- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsHumphrey BogartIngrid BergmanPaul HenreidA cynical expatriate American cafe owner struggles to decide whether or not to help his former lover and her fugitive husband escape the Nazis in French Morocco.Max Steiner was one of the most important music composers of Hollywood. He was Austrian. Amongst his most famous works were the music for "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind".
Peter Lorre, the iconic villain, was an Austrian actor. - DirectorBilly WilderStarsWilliam HoldenGloria SwansonErich von StroheimA screenwriter develops a dangerous relationship with a faded film star determined to make a triumphant return.Billy Wilder was born in a town which used to be part of Austrian-Hungarian empire (nowadays it is in Poland). His parents were german speaking Austrians and the family moved to Vienna/Austria when he was 10. When he was 28 he left Europe and went to the USA.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLinda HamiltonEdward FurlongA cyborg, identical to the one who failed to kill Sarah Connor, must now protect her ten year old son John from an even more advanced and powerful cyborg.Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Austria, but left the country at the age of 21. He is maybe the most famous Austrian alive, though a lot of Austrians are not that proud of that.
Mozart and Sigmund Freud are maybe more interesting people than this guy ;-) nevertheless… he has Austrian roots.
"Terminator 2" is a good action film, nevertheless a lot of films listed below are much better than this one. anyway! thats the way it is rated on imdb. - DirectorFritz LangStarsPeter LorreEllen WidmannInge LandgutWhen the police in a German city are unable to catch a child-murderer, other criminals join in the manhunt.The director Fritz Lang is born in Vienna, the capitol of Austria. He left Austria at the age of 43. His first american movie was "Fury" in the year 1936.
Peter Lorre, the iconic villain, was an Austrian actor. - DirectorDavid LeanStarsPeter O'TooleAlec GuinnessAnthony QuinnThe story of T.E. Lawrence, the English officer who successfully united and led the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Turks.The producer Sam Spiegel (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Best Film.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsTyrone PowerMarlene DietrichCharles LaughtonA veteran British barrister must defend his client in a murder trial that has surprise after surprise.Billy Wilder was born in a town which used to be part of Austrian-Hungarian empire (nowadays it is in Poland). His parents were german speaking Austrians and the family moved to Vienna/Austria when he was 10. When he was 28 he left Europe and went to the USA.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsFred MacMurrayBarbara StanwyckEdward G. RobinsonA Los Angeles insurance representative lets an alluring housewife seduce him into a scheme of insurance fraud and murder that arouses the suspicion of his colleague, an insurance investigator.Billy Wilder was born in a town which used to be part of Austrian-Hungarian empire (nowadays it is in Poland). His parents were german speaking Austrians and the family moved to Vienna/Austria when he was 10. When he was 28 he left Europe and went to the USA.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsBrigitte HelmAlfred AbelGustav FröhlichIn a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.The director Fritz Lang is born in Vienna, the capitol of Austria. He left Austria at the age of 43. His first american movie was "Fury" (1936).
- DirectorMilos FormanStarsF. Murray AbrahamTom HulceElizabeth BerridgeThe life, success and troubles of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, as told by Antonio Salieri, the contemporaneous composer who was deeply jealous of Mozart's talent and claimed to have murdered him."Amadeus" is not an austrian film, Milos Forman is not an austrian director, but its all about austria and one of the most famous musician of all time, which was an austrian. its a shame that this film wasnt even co-produced by Austria. Connections: Mozart, Salzburg, Vienna.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsBrad PittDiane KrugerEli RothIn Nazi-occupied France during World War II, a plan to assassinate Nazi leaders by a group of Jewish U.S. soldiers coincides with a theatre owner's vengeful plans for the same.Christoph Waltz, born in Vienna/Austria, won 2 Oscars. His astonishing performance in "Inglourious Basterds" was maybe the best acting performance of the whole decade. You will never forget his interpretation of the Nazi Col. Hans Lauda. One of the most pregnant moments in cinema of the last years.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsJamie FoxxChristoph WaltzLeonardo DiCaprioWith the help of a German bounty-hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner in Mississippi.Christoph Waltz, born in Vienna/Austria, won 2 Oscars. His astonishing performance in "Inglourious Basterds" was maybe the best acting performance of the whole decade. You will never forget his interpretation of the Nazi Col. Hans Lauda. One of the most pregnant moments in cinema of the last years. His role in Tarantinos Django was quite similar, but he won again.
though Waltz plays well and though i really like Tarantino, i think this film is highly overrated! By far not his best film. Because of this and because i think Waltz performance in "Inglorious Basterds" was much better, i ranked this film lower than the imdb-rating. - DirectorElia KazanStarsMarlon BrandoKarl MaldenLee J. CobbAn ex-prize fighter turned New Jersey longshoreman struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses, including his older brother, as he starts to connect with the grieving sister of one of the syndicate's victims.The producer Sam Spiegel (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Best Film.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsMarilyn MonroeTony CurtisJack LemmonAfter two male musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but further complications set in.Billy Wilder was born in a town which used to be part of Austrian-Hungarian empire (nowadays it is in Poland). His parents were german speaking Austrians and the family moved to Vienna/Austria when he was 10. When he was 28 he left Europe and went to the USA.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsJack LemmonShirley MacLaineFred MacMurrayA Manhattan insurance clerk tries to rise in his company by letting its executives use his apartment for trysts, but complications and a romance of his own ensue.Billy Wilder was born in a town which used to be part of Austrian-Hungarian empire (nowadays it is in Poland). His parents were german speaking Austrians and the family moved to Vienna/Austria when he was 10. When he was 28 he left Europe and went to the USA.
- DirectorCarol ReedStarsOrson WellesJoseph CottenAlida ValliPulp novelist Holly Martins travels to shadowy, postwar Vienna, only to find himself investigating the mysterious death of an old friend, Harry Lime.Its not an austrian movie, but it was important of the picture of Vienna in the world.
One of the producers was the Austrian director Alexander Korda. and also a lot of Austrian actors played in this film. - DirectorStanley KramerStarsSpencer TracyBurt LancasterRichard WidmarkIn 1948, an American court in occupied Germany tries four Nazis judged for war crimes.Maximilian Schell was an Austrian actor.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsHumphrey BogartWalter HustonTim HoltTwo down-on-their-luck Americans searching for work in 1920s Mexico convince an old prospector to help them mine for gold in the Sierra Madre Mountains.Max Steiner was one of the most important music composers of Hollywood. He was Austrian. Amongst his most famous works were the music for "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind".
- DirectorWilliam WylerStarsOlivia de HavillandMontgomery CliftRalph RichardsonA naive young woman falls for a handsome young man her emotionally abusive father suspects is only a fortune hunter.Harry Horner (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Best Production Design.
- DirectorMichael CiminoStarsRobert De NiroChristopher WalkenJohn CazaleAn in-depth examination of the ways in which the Vietnam War impacts and disrupts the lives of several friends in a small steel mill town in Pennsylvania.Peter Zinner (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Film Editing.
- DirectorDavid LeanStarsWilliam HoldenAlec GuinnessJack HawkinsBritish POWs are forced to build a railway bridge across the river Kwai for their Japanese captors in occupied Burma, not knowing that the allied forces are planning a daring commando raid through the jungle to destroy it.The producer Sam Spiegel (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Best Film.
- DirectorVictor FlemingGeorge CukorSam WoodStarsClark GableVivien LeighThomas MitchellA sheltered and manipulative Southern belle and a roguish profiteer face off in a turbulent romance as the society around them crumbles with the end of slavery and is rebuilt during the Civil War and Reconstruction periods.Max Steiner was one of the most important music composers of Hollywood. He was Austrian. Amongst his most famous works were the music for "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind".
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsHumphrey BogartMary AstorGladys GeorgeSan Francisco private detective Sam Spade takes on a case that involves him with three eccentric criminals, a gorgeous liar and their quest for a priceless statuette, with the stakes rising after his partner is murdered.Peter Lorre, the iconic villain, was an Austrian actor.
- DirectorRaoul WalshStarsJames CagneyVirginia MayoEdmond O'BrienA psychopathic criminal with a mother complex makes a daring break from prison and leads his old gang in a chemical plant payroll heist.Max Steiner was one of the most important music composers of Hollywood. He was Austrian. Amongst his most famous works were the music for "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind".
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsCary GrantPriscilla LaneRaymond MasseyA Brooklyn writer of books on the futility of marriage risks his reputation after he decides to tie the knot. Things get even more complicated when he learns on his wedding day that his beloved maiden aunts are habitual murderers.Max Steiner was one of the most important music composers of Hollywood. He was Austrian. Amongst his most famous works were the music for "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind".
Peter Lorre, the iconic villain, was an Austrian actor. - DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsGary CooperGrace KellyThomas MitchellA town Marshal, despite the disagreements of his newlywed bride and the townspeople around him, must face a gang of deadly killers alone at "high noon" when the gang leader, an outlaw he "sent up" years ago, arrives on the noon train.Fred Zinnemann was born in the Austrian-Hungarian empire and grew up in Vienna/Austria. He moved to Hollywood in the age of 22.
- DirectorRobert RossenStarsPaul NewmanJackie GleasonPiper LaurieAn up-and-coming pool player plays a long-time champion in a single high-stakes match.Harry Horner (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Best Production Design.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerLinda HamiltonMichael BiehnA human soldier is sent from 2029 to 1984 to stop an almost indestructible cyborg killing machine, sent from the same year, which has been programmed to execute a young woman whose unborn son is the key to humanity's future salvation.Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Austria, but left the country at the age of 21. He is maybe the most famous Austrian alive, though a lot of Austrians are not that proud of that.
Mozart and Sigmund Freud are maybe more interesting people than this guy ;-) nevertheless… he has Austrian roots. - DirectorOtto PremingerStarsJames StewartLee RemickBen GazzaraAn upstate Michigan lawyer defends a soldier who claims he killed an innkeeper due to temporary insanity after the victim raped his wife. What is the truth, and will he win his case?Otto Preminger was born in the Ukraine, but at that time it was austrian-hungarian territory and his parents were german speaking Austrians, who just worked there. When Otto was a teen they went back to (todays) Austria where he got his education. Otto worked mostly in Vienna and Graz, before he left Austria with the age of 30.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsWilliam HoldenDon TaylorOtto PremingerAfter two Americans are killed while escaping from a German P.O.W. camp in World War II, the barracks black marketeer, J.J. Sefton, is suspected of being an informer.Billy Wilder was born in a town which used to be part of Austrian-Hungarian empire (nowadays it is in Poland). His parents were german speaking Austrians and the family moved to Vienna/Austria when he was 10. When he was 28 he left Europe and went to the USA.
- DirectorOtto PremingerRouben MamoulianStarsGene TierneyDana AndrewsClifton WebbA police detective falls in love with the woman whose murder he is investigating.Otto Preminger was born in the Ukraine, but at that time it was austrian-hungarian territory and his parents were german speaking Austrians, who just worked there. When Otto was a teen they went back to (todays) Austria where he got his education. Otto worked mostly in Vienna and Graz, before he left Austria with the age of 30.
- DirectorWes AndersonStarsRalph FiennesF. Murray AbrahamMathieu AmalricA writer encounters the owner of an aging high-class hotel, who tells him of his early years serving as a lobby boy in the hotel's glorious years under an exceptional concierge.Karl Markovics (born in Vienna/austria), best known for his performance in "The Counterfeiters", worked with Wes Anderson in this film.
- DirectorRichard LinklaterStarsEthan HawkeJulie DelpyAndrea EckertA young man and woman meet on a train in Europe, and wind up spending one evening together in Vienna. Unfortunately, both know that this will probably be their only night together.Though the director is not an Austrian and there is no important main character played by an austrian, the connection to vienna is so strong that i deceided to list it here; cause vienna plays the 3rd main role in this great film. It was just co-produced by an austrian company
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsHumphrey BogartLauren BacallJohn RidgelyPrivate detective Philip Marlowe is hired by a wealthy family. Before the complex case is over, he's seen murder, blackmail and what might be love.Max Steiner was one of the most important music composers of Hollywood. He was Austrian. Amongst his most famous works were the music for "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind".
- DirectorFranz AntelStarsKarl MerkatzAlfred BöhmHans HoltA politically naïve Viennese butcher (Bockerer) manages to survive the unification of Germany and Austria and the Second World War.Though young people from Austria dont know this movie anymore, it used to be very important in the 80s and 90s. Its a shame that someone who is not able to understand Austrian german is not able to understand the humor in the same way. Maybe just an Austrian film for Austrians. But you can give it a try.
- DirectorIrving RapperStarsBette DavisPaul HenreidClaude RainsA frumpy spinster blossoms under therapy and becomes an elegant, independent woman.Max Steiner (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Best Music.
- DirectorMerian C. CooperErnest B. SchoedsackStarsFay WrayRobert ArmstrongBruce CabotA film crew goes to a tropical island for a location shoot, where they capture a colossal ape who takes a shine to their blonde starlet, and bring him back to New York City.Max Steiner was one of the most important music composers of Hollywood. He was Austrian. Amongst his most famous works were the music for "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind".
- DirectorMichael CurtizWilliam KeighleyStarsErrol FlynnOlivia de HavillandBasil RathboneWhen Prince John and the Norman Lords begin oppressing the Saxon masses in King Richard's absence in 1190s England, a Saxon lord fights back as the outlaw leader of a resistance movement.Erich W. Korngold (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Best Music.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsJames CagneyHorst BuchholzPamela TiffinIn West Berlin during the Cold War, a Coca-Cola executive is given the task of taking care of his boss' socialite daughter.Billy Wilder was born in a town which used to be part of Austrian-Hungarian empire (nowadays it is in Poland). His parents were german speaking Austrians and the family moved to Vienna/Austria when he was 10. When he was 28 he left Europe and went to the USA.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsGlenn FordGloria GrahameJocelyn BrandoTough cop Dave Bannion takes on a politically powerful crime syndicate.The director Fritz Lang is born in Vienna, the capitol of Austria. He left Austria at the age of 43. His first american movie was "Fury" (1936).
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsJulie AndrewsChristopher PlummerEleanor ParkerA young novice is sent by her convent in 1930s Austria to become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval officer."The Sound of Music" is an american film, but it plays in Austria and is about Austrians. Its quite funny that this film grounded the picture of Austria in the world, got amazingly famous and that not many Austrians even know this film (and those which knows it, think its "Kitsch" and dont like it). It needed decades before i ve seen this movie for the first time and it was quite fun to see it.
- DirectorGeorg Wilhelm PabstStarsLouise BrooksFritz KortnerFrancis LedererThe rise and inevitable fall of an amoral but naive young woman whose insouciant eroticism inspires lust and violence in those around her.Georg Wilhelm Pabst born in a town which is now in Czech, but he was a german speaking citizen of the Austrian-Hungarian-Empire with Austrian parents which just worked in this area. So most people say he was an Austrian director.
- DirectorJohn FordStarsJohn WayneJeffrey HunterVera MilesAn American Civil War veteran embarks on a years-long journey to rescue his niece from the Comanches after the rest of his brother's family is massacred in a raid on their Texas farm.Max Steiner was one of the most important music composers of Hollywood. He was Austrian. Amongst his most famous works were the music for "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind".
- DirectorJosef von SternbergStarsEmil JanningsEvelyn BrentWilliam PowellA former Imperial Russian general and cousin of the Czar ends up in Hollywood as an extra in a movie directed by a former revolutionary.Josef von Sternberg is an Austrian director.
- DirectorMichael CurtizStarsJoan CrawfordJack CarsonZachary ScottA hard-working mother inches towards disaster as she divorces her husband and starts a successful restaurant business to support her spoiled daughter.Max Steiner was one of the most important music composers of Hollywood. He was Austrian. Amongst his most famous works were the music for "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind".
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsRay MillandJane WymanPhillip TerryThe desperate life of a chronic alcoholic is followed through a four-day drinking bout.Billy Wilder (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Directing.
- DirectorFrançois TruffautStarsJeanne MoreauOskar WernerHenri SerreDecades of a love triangle concerning two friends and an impulsive woman.Oskar Werner was an Austrian actor.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsRudolf Klein-RoggeAud Egede-NissenGertrude WelckerArch-criminal Dr. Mabuse sets out to make a fortune and run Berlin. Detective Wenk sets out to stop him.The director Fritz Lang is born in Vienna, the capitol of Austria. He left Austria at the age of 43. His first american movie was "Fury" (1936).
- DirectorFritz LangStarsRudolf Klein-RoggeOtto WernickeThomy BourdelleA criminal mastermind uses hypnosis to rule the rackets after death.The director Fritz Lang is born in Vienna, the capitol of Austria. He left Austria at the age of 43. His first american movie was "Fury" (1936).
- DirectorMichael HanekeStarsJean-Louis TrintignantEmmanuelle RivaIsabelle HuppertGeorges and Anne are an octogenarian couple. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, also a musician, lives in Britain with her family. One day, Anne has a stroke, and the couple's bond of love is severely tested.Michael Haneke is maybe the most important austrian director alive. He won 14 awards in Cannes, "Amour" (2012) won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
much better than the imdb-rating. - DirectorFritz LangStarsSylvia SidneySpencer TracyWalter AbelWhen a wrongly-accused prisoner barely survives a lynch-mob attack and is presumed dead, he vindictively decides to fake his death and frame the mob for his supposed murder.The director Fritz Lang is born in Vienna, the capitol of Austria. He left Austria at the age of 43. Fury was his first american movie.
- DirectorIstván SzabóStarsKlaus Maria BrandauerIldikó BánságiKrystyna JandaIn early-1930s Germany, a passionate stage actor faces a dilemma: renounce his apolitical stance and comply with the Reich's doctrine, or face oblivion. But, Faustian bargains never end well. What is the price of success?István Szabó is a hungarian director, but a lot of his films are co-produced by Austria. "Mephisto" is the first one and the main role is played by Klaus Maria Brandauer, an Austrian actor.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsMargarete SchönGertrud ArnoldTheodor LoosPrincess Kriemhild vows to avenge her husband's murder but must overcome her brothers who swore allegiance to Hagen. She marries Etzel, King of the Huns, and persuades his army to attack Hagen, but she loses more than she bargained for.The director Fritz Lang is born in Vienna, the capitol of Austria. He left Austria at the age of 43. His first american movie was "Fury" (1936).
- DirectorOrson WellesStarsAnthony PerkinsArnoldo FoàJess HahnAn unassuming office worker is arrested and stands trial, but he is never made aware of his charges.Romy Schneider used to be a big film star. She is an Austrian actress.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsEdward G. RobinsonJoan BennettDan DuryeaA man in mid-life crisis befriends a young woman, though her fiancé persuades her to con him out of the fortune they mistakenly assume he possesses.The director Fritz Lang is born in Vienna, the capitol of Austria. He left Austria at the age of 43. His first american movie was "Fury" (1936).
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsHumphrey BogartEdward G. RobinsonLauren BacallA man visits his war buddy's family hotel and finds a gangster running things. As a hurricane approaches, the two end up confronting each other.Max Steiner was one of the most important music composers of Hollywood. He was Austrian. Amongst his most famous works were the music for "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind".
- DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsPaul ScofieldWendy HillerRobert ShawThe story of Sir Thomas More, who stood up to King Henry VIII when the King rejected the Roman Catholic Church to obtain a divorce and remarry.Fred Zinnemann was born in the Austrian-Hungarian empire and grew up in Vienna/Austria. He moved to Hollywood in the age of 22.
- DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsMontgomery CliftIvan JandlAline MacMahonIn post-war Berlin, an American private helps a lost Czech boy find his mother.Fred Zinnemann was born in the Austrian-Hungarian empire and grew up in Vienna/Austria. He moved to Hollywood in the age of 22.
- DirectorSebastian J.F.StarsSharanda JonesRichard PaeyJorge Enrique BoteroMore than three decades have passed since Richard Nixon declared the war on drugs. Today, drug trafficking exceeds 7% of global trade. The film shows how the war is being waged by examining the situation in Colombia and the United States. The spearhead in the war on drugs is the U.S. police force, DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). In Colombia, the U.S. fights this drug war by attacking the supply chain. Under a large offensive named Plan Colombia, coca and poppy growing areas are sprayed on a huge scale to eradicate the crops. However, many years of fumigation has not reduced the extent of the growing areas. In many remote sections of Colombia, the peasants have no viable alternatives to cultivating the coca plant. The coca plant is the only sustenance product there. In the United States, drug prohibition is enforced by imposing harsh prison terms for drug law offenders. The fates of Richard Paey and Sharanda Jones show the social, political and personal implications of these measures. The War on Drugs is an analysis of a war that started almost 40 years ago and shows no signs of subsiding.Austrian director
- DirectorMichael HanekeStarsChristian FriedelErnst JacobiLeonie BeneschStrange events happen in a small village in the north of Germany during the years before World War I, which seem to be ritual punishment. Who is responsible?Michael Haneke is maybe the most important austrian director alive. He won 14 awards in Cannes, "Amour" (2012) won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
better than the imdb-rating. - DirectorJean-Jacques AnnaudStarsSean ConneryChristian SlaterHelmut QualtingerAn intellectually nonconformist friar investigates a series of mysterious deaths in an isolated abbey.Helmut Qualtinger was an Austrian actor.
- DirectorJosef von SternbergStarsEmil JanningsMarlene DietrichKurt GerronAn elderly professor's ordered life spins dangerously out of control when he falls for a nightclub singer.Josef von Sternberg is an Austrian director.
- DirectorMichael HanekeStarsBirgit DollDieter BernerLeni TanzerA European family who plan on escaping to Australia seem caught up in their daily routine, only troubled by minor incidents. However, behind their apparent calm and repetitive existence, they are actually planning something sinister.Michael Haneke is maybe the most important austrian director alive. He won 14 awards in Cannes, "Amour" (2012) won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
- DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsEdward FoxTerence AlexanderMichel AuclairIn the aftermath of France allowing Algeria's independence, a group of resentful military veterans hire a professional assassin codenamed "Jackal" to kill President Charles de Gaulle.Fred Zinnemann was born in the Austrian-Hungarian empire and grew up in Vienna/Austria. He moved to Hollywood in the age of 22.
- DirectorLuchino ViscontiStarsMaria SchellMarcello MastroianniJean MaraisA humble clerk courts a woman who awaits her lover's return night after night.Maria Schell was an Austrian actress.
- DirectorPatrick VollrathStarsSimon SchwarzJulia PointnerMarion RottenhoferA divorced father picks up his eight-year-old daughter Lea. It seems pretty much like every second weekend, but after a while Lea can't help feeling that something isn't right. So begins a fateful journey.Oscar nominated short by german director, during his years when he lived in Vienna and visited Austrians Film University. Austrian/German-film
- DirectorMichael PowellStarsKarlheinz BöhmAnna MasseyMoira ShearerA young man murders women, using a movie camera to film their dying expressions of terror.Karlheinz Böhm was born in South-Germany, where he grew up, but his mother was Austrian and he left Germany in his early 20s. From then on he lived in Austria till he dies. He had the Austrian citizenship.
Peeping Tom was such a controversial movie that he had problems to get more jobs in Hollywood. - DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsBurt LancasterMontgomery CliftDeborah KerrAt a U.S. Army base in 1941 Hawaii, a private is cruelly punished for not boxing on his unit's team, while his commanding officer's wife and top aide begin a tentative affair.Fred Zinnemann was born in the Austrian-Hungarian empire and grew up in Vienna/Austria. He moved to Hollywood in the age of 22.
- DirectorSidney FranklinVictor FlemingGustav MachatýStarsPaul MuniLuise RainerWalter ConnollyAlthough married Chinese farmers Wang and O-Lan initially experience success, their lives are complicated by declining fortunes and lean times, as well as the arrival of the beautiful young Lotus.Karl Freund (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Best Cinematography.
- DirectorJohn McTiernanStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerCarl WeathersKevin Peter HallA team of commandos on a mission in a Central American jungle find themselves hunted by an extraterrestrial warrior.Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Austria, but left the country at the age of 21. He is maybe the most famous Austrian alive, though a lot of Austrians are not that proud of that.
Mozart and Sigmund Freud are maybe more interesting people than this guy ;-) nevertheless… he has Austrian roots.
overrated on imdb - DirectorJohn FordStarsWalter PidgeonMaureen O'HaraAnna LeeAt the turn of the century in a Welsh mining village, the Morgans, he stern, she gentle, raise coal-mining sons and hope their youngest will find a better life.Nathan Juran (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Best Production Design.
- DirectorMartin RittStarsRichard BurtonOskar WernerClaire BloomInstead of coming in from the Cold War, British agent Alec Leamas chooses to face another mission.Oskar Werner was an Austrian actor.
- DirectorLuchino ViscontiStarsHelmut BergerRomy SchneiderTrevor HowardThe reign of the tormented Ludwig, king of Bavaria, from 1864 to 1886.Helmut Berger and Romy Schneider are Austrian actors.
- DirectorIstván SzabóStarsKlaus Maria BrandauerHans Christian BlechArmin Mueller-StahlSet during the fading glory of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the film tells of the rise and fall of Alfred Redl (Brandauer), an ambitious young officer who proceeds up the ladder to become head of the Secret Police only to become ensnared in political deception.István Szabó is a hungarian director, but a lot of his films are co-produced by Austria. "Mephisto" is one of those and the main role is played by Klaus Maria Brandauer, an Austrian actor.
- DirectorWilliam A. WellmanJack ConwayVictor FlemingStarsJanet GaynorFredric MarchAdolphe MenjouA young woman comes to Hollywood with dreams of stardom, and achieves them only with the help of an alcoholic leading man whose best days are behind him.Max Steiner was one of the most important music composers of Hollywood. He was Austrian. Amongst his most famous works were the music for "Casablanca" and "Gone with the wind".
- DirectorJosef von SternbergStarsMarlene DietrichJohn LodgeSam JaffeA German noblewoman enters into a loveless marriage with the dim-witted, unstable heir to the Russian throne, then plots to oust him from power.Josef von Sternberg is an Austrian director.
- DirectorMichael HanekeStarsSusanne LotharUlrich MüheArno FrischTwo violent young men take a mother, father, and son hostage in their vacation cabin and force them to play sadistic "games" with one another for their own amusement.Michael Haneke is maybe the most important austrian director alive. He won 14 awards in Cannes, "Amour" (2012) won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
better than the imdb-rating. - DirectorHubert SauperStarsElizabeth 'Eliza' Maganga NseseRaphael Tukiko WagaraDimond RemtuliaA documentary on the effect of fishing the Nile perch in Tanzania's Lake Victoria. The predatory fish, which has wiped out the native species, is sold in European supermarkets, while starving Tanzanian families have to make do with the leftovers.an very good Austrian documentary.
better than the imdb-rating. - DirectorStefan RuzowitzkyStarsKarl MarkovicsAugust DiehlDevid StriesowThe story of the Operation Bernhard, the largest counterfeiting operation in history, carried out by Germany during World War II.The austrian Film "Die Fälscher" by Stefan Ruzowitzky (born in Vienna/Austria) won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
better than the imdb-rating. - DirectorGötz SpielmannStarsJohannes KrischIrina PotapenkoAndreas LustEx-con Alex plans to flee to the South with his girl after a robbery. But something terrible happens and revenge seems inevitable."Revanche" by Götz Spielmann was nominated for an Oscar (Best foreign film).
- DirectorLuchino ViscontiStarsBurt LancasterHelmut BergerSilvana ManganoA reclusive retired professor is faced with confronting modernity when a group of vulgar youths led by an obnoxious marchesa take up residence in his unused upper residence.Helmut Berger is an Austrian actor.
- DirectorVittorio De SicaStarsDominique SandaLino CapolicchioHelmut BergerThe story of the Finzi-Continis, a noble family of Ferrara, during the Jewish persecution in Italy's 1930s.Helmut Berger is an Austrian actor.
- DirectorErwin WagenhoferStarsJean ZieglerPeter BrabeckKarl OtrokA look at how the world's food is produced and how mass production changes the environment and the lives of people.Austrian documentary (Austrian director)
- DirectorLuchino ViscontiStarsDirk BogardeIngrid ThulinHelmut GriemThe dramatic collapse of a wealthy, industrialist/Junker family during the reign of the Third Reich.Helmut Berger is an Austrian actor.
- DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsAudrey HepburnPeter FinchEdith EvansAfter leaving a wealthy Belgian family to become a nun, Sister Luke struggles with her devotion to her vows during crisis, disappointment, and World War II.Fred Zinnemann was born in the Austrian-Hungarian empire and grew up in Vienna/Austria. He moved to Hollywood in the age of 22.
- DirectorDick PowellStarsRobert MitchumCurd JürgensDavid HedisonDuring WWII an American destroyer discovers a German U-boat, and in the ensuing duel the American captain must draw upon all his experience to defeat the equally experienced German commander.Curd Jürgens was an Austrian actor.
- DirectorJohn FordStarsVictor McLaglenHeather AngelPreston FosterIn 1922, an Irish rebel informs on his friend, then feels doom closing in.Max Steiner (Austro-American): Oscar Music
- DirectorWilliam WylerStarsGreer GarsonWalter PidgeonTeresa WrightA British family struggles to survive the first months of World War II.George Fröschl (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Best adopted Screenplay.
- DirectorJohn CromwellEdward F. ClineTay GarnettStarsClaudette ColbertJennifer JonesJoseph CottenWith her husband away to fight in World War II, a housewife must care for their two daughters alone.Max Steiner (Austro-American) won the Oscar for Best Music.
- DirectorOtto PremingerStarsFrank SinatraKim NovakEleanor ParkerA junkie must face his true self to kick his drug addiction.Otto Preminger was born in the Ukraine, but at that time it was austrian-hungarian territory and his parents were german speaking Austrians, who just worked there. When Otto was a teen they went back to (todays) Austria where he got his education. Otto worked mostly in Vienna and Graz, before he left Austria with the age of 30.
better than the imdb-rating. - DirectorGerald KarglStarsErwin LederRobert Hunger-BühlerSilvia RyderA troubled man gets released from prison and starts taking out his sadistic fantasies on an unsuspecting family living in a secluded house."Angst" (1983) is one of the most disturbing films i ve ever seen - and it was and maybe is still nowadays one of the most controversal films. If you liked "Funny Games" you should give this one also a try. It seems that Austrians are good in making disturbing films ;-)
better than the imdb-rating. - DirectorMichael GlawoggerA look at the people who live precariously, but with an unusual level of resourcefulness and imagination, in four gigantic urban agglomerations: Mumbai, New York City, Moscow and Mexico City.Michael Glawogger was a somewhat famous Austrian director.
- DirectorErwin WagenhoferStarsMark MobiusMirko KovatsK. Sujatha RaajuMost of us don't know where their money is. However, one thing is for certain, it's is not in the bank to which we entrusted it. The bank and our money is already a part of the cycle of the global money market.Austrian documentary (Austrian director)
- DirectorSam PeckinpahStarsJames CoburnMaximilian SchellJames MasonGerman commander Hauptmann Stransky places a squad in extreme danger after Sergeant Rolf Steiner refuses to lie for him.Maximilian Schell and Senta Berger were Austrian actors.
- DirectorJosef von SternbergStarsMarlene DietrichClive BrookAnna May WongA notorious woman rides a train through a dangerous situation with a British captain she loved.Josef von Sternberg is an Austrian director.
- DirectorRené ClémentStarsMaria SchellFrançois PérierJany HoltA poor laundrywoman tries to cope with a depressing burden of society.Maria Schell was an Austrian actress.
- DirectorFred ZinnemannStarsVan HeflinRobert RyanJanet LeighAn embittered, vengeful POW stalks his former commanding officer who betrayed his men's planned escape attempt from a Nazi prison camp.Fred Zinnemann was born in the Austrian-Hungarian empire and grew up in Vienna/Austria. He moved to Hollywood in the age of 22.
- DirectorPaul VerhoevenStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerSharon StoneMichael IronsideWhen a man goes in to have virtual vacation memories of the planet Mars implanted in his mind, an unexpected and harrowing series of events forces him to go to the planet for real - or is he?Arnold Schwarzenegger was born in Austria, but left the country at the age of 21. He is maybe the most famous Austrian alive, though a lot of Austrians are not that proud of that.
Mozart and Sigmund Freud are maybe more interesting people than this guy ;-) nevertheless… he has Austrian roots. - DirectorMarco KreuzpaintnerStarsRobert StadloberKostja UllmannMiriam MorgensternA close friendship between two crew teammates is tested when one slowly discovers he's gay and attracted to the other.
- is a German film, but Robert Stadlober is an Austrian actor.
(not seen yet and hard to believe that it is better than Hanekes "Piano Teacher". it is for sure not, but it has a better imdb-rating) - DirectorMarkus ImhoofStarsFred JaggiRandolf MenzelJohn MillerAn in-depth look at honeybee colonies in California, Switzerland, China and Australia.Austrian director
- DirectorMichael HanekeStarsIsabelle HuppertAnnie GirardotBenoît MagimelA young man romantically pursues his masochistic piano teacher.Michael Haneke is maybe the most important austrian director alive. He won 14 awards in Cannes, "Amour" (2012) won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.
much better than the imdb-rating.