Kevin's Watch

The legendary Japanese actor Toshirô Mifune and director/screenwriter Akira Kurosawa. And here's why:

They teamed up to make the likes of Seven Samurai, Rashômon, Yojimbo, Throne of Blood, etc.

Kurosawa changed how Japanese films were made forever, busting down culture walls and using some truly innovative and masterful choreography and filming techniques. He was way ahead of his time--more so than anybody before or after. His vivid characterizations and camera work looks like it could have been done today, and Seven Samurai more than stands apart from every other film in its genre.

Not only did this man make classics, but he made cinematic archetypes, which served many future films as a template. His disciples include Coppola, Scorsese, and Spielberg, among many others.

As for Mifune, it's interesting to point out that some early critics cited him as overacting in Seven Samurai. That is true, BUT, it was his character that was overacting. Observe in Seven Samurai the way he runs or walks, and then watch another movie he's in. His movements will be totally different. He was probably the first and the greatest method actor ever. He was probably the first to stay in character all day on the set, too.

Lastly, one more point of interest. George Lucas got his main inspiration from the Kurosawa/Mifune movie The Hidden Fortress. When Lucas began the Star Wars project, he considered Mifune to play Obi-Wan.

The only Kurosawa film I saw was Dreams. I think it was his final film. It was comprised of four vignettes. One of them was about Vincent van Gogh, portrayed by none other than Martin Sorsese. The film was as much about nightmares as it was about dreams. Beautiful and haunting imagery.

Since no particular restrictions have been placed on the kind of cinematic team, I can think of a few favorites:

George Lucas and John Williams were, and continue to be, a great team. I simply can't imagine Star Wars in my mind without Williams's score playing along. His music and Star Wars are one.

Stanley Kubrick and cinematographer John Alcott. Together they were responsible for the look of A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon and The Shining. Three of the most visually striking movies ever made.

Steven Spielberg and John Williams. All of Spielberg's theatrical films have had a John Williams score, going back to Sugarland Express in 1974. Now that's a long-running partnership. And what a track record!

Tim Burton (director) and Danny Elfman (soundtrack).

Pee-Wee's Big Adventure
Batman
Beetlejuice

I know there are others but these 3 stand out in my mind as some of the best movies they've collaborated on.

I thought I'd mention another great team:

Martin Scorsese and Robert DeNiro.

Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas--among others.

I agree Encryptic although I do like the soundtrack to Sleepy Hollow very much.

Matrix, I totally agree about Lucas, Spielberg and Williams.