Nicole Kassell Photo Courtesy of Deadline
While the world pauses - its global citizens staying home to save lives - we would like to shine a spotlight on our notable alumni and recommend visiting or re-visiting their groundbreaking cinematic work.
This week’s installment of NYU Grad Film’s Streaming Spotlight features alumnus and DGA Award winner Nicole Kassell. Kassell has had an impressive directorial career, and has directed for some of the most well-known, critical success series. Here are our recommendations for your viewing pleasure:
“Watchmen”
Watchmen (2019): Set in an alternate history where masked vigilantes are treated as outlaws, this series embraces the nostalgia of the original groundbreaking graphic novel of the same name, while attempting to break new ground of its own. Starring Regina King. Kassell directs episodes 1, 2 and 8, and won the Dramatic Series DGA Award for the pilot.
“Westworld”
Westworld (2016- ): The hit HBO series is set in Westworld, an exclusive theme park where those who can afford a ticket can live without limits, roaming amongst lifelike robots that pass for humans called hosts; the hosts allow guests to live out their fantasies (without harming humans) in the park. Kassell directs S1E7 “Les Ecorches”: Bernard meets with an unexpected old friend, The Cradle is under threat, and Maeve encounters a scene from her past.
“The Leftovers”
The Leftovers (2014-2017): The Emmy-nominated series takes place years after the disappearance of two percent of the global population; a group of people in a small New York community try to continue their lives while coping with the tragedy of the unexplained nature of the event. Kassell directs S2E5 (“No Room at the Inn”) and S3E5 (“It’s a Matt, Matt, Matt, Matt World”).
“Better Call Saul”
Better Call Saul (2015- ): The trials and tribulations of criminal lawyer Jimmy McGill in the time before he established his strip-mall law office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Kassell directs S1E5 “Alpine Shepherd Boy”: After a strange encounter with the police, Chuck ends up in the hospital. Jimmy meets up with a series of unruly clients.
“The Woodsman”
The Woodsman (2004): A drama in which Walter, a child molester, returns to his hometown after 12 years in prison and attempts to start a new life. Starring Kevin Bacon as Walter. Recognized by the National Board of Review for excellence in filmmaking.