Yeah, what Roman Polanski did renders him amongst the sleaziest ever. But can anyone really deny Polanski's talent as a movie director? To watch 'Chinatown' is to watch a masterpiece by a master craftsman- and achieving as close to perfection as anyone might deem possible. Other movies by Polanski only affirms his brilliance as a movie director. Yet, it is unfortunate that such a talented man would commit such a disgusting act, which in turn has clouded his reputation as one of the greatest ever. UPDATE: never has a director (with the possible Clint Eastwood and Steven Spielberg) had the eye for the most minute of details as Polanski. Roman Polanski went as far as openly regretting and bemoaning his own decision about the reflecting image on the lens of Jake Gittes's camera in one of the early scenes in the brilliant noir, 'Chinatown'. How's that for detail?

Critics sometimes find it difficult to separate an artist's work from their personal life, and I see that's the case in some of the prior reviews. Putting aside Roman Polanski's indefensible sexual offense, I will say that "Chinatown" (1974) remains one of the best films that I've ever seen, simply a classic of neo-film noir. Nevertheless, save for a few other flashes of genius, I just don't see greatness in general. Roman Polanski was born August 18, 1933 in Paris.

Arguably the greatest 'minimalist' director of all time. Excels in movies with small casts and tight control. Managed to pull off a brilliant coup with Chinatown (his one successful big-budget production) but otherwise best at 'small stuff': Knife in the Water, Cul de Sac, the Tenant, Rosemary's Baby, Death and the Maiden could all be plays, involving a handful of actors and locations. Polanski's revolutionary film version of Macbeth, made entirely with hand-held cameras, is the best Shakespeare adoptation I've come across, despite the mediocrity of 90% of its actors. Polanski excels at making the most of small details; at his best, he exceeds Hitchcock in the creation of suspense. His best movies are far scarier and realistic than any horror director. Like Hitchcock, Polansky was a sicko with moderate to severe mental problems; however, I don't believe that this prevents him from being one of the ten best directors of all time, easily.

Rosemary's Baby is the creepiest film I've ever seen.

I'd give him a one because of how creepy and perverted he is, but The Pianist was a pretty decent work of art.

Tess of D'urbevilles is a great film. I recommend it to those that like films that pre-dates the 20th century. The film captured the essence of what life was like during that time period. This story is about a young woman through unusual circumstances is shifted from her plight of poverty into the life of the wealthy. But along the way she faces prejudice and abuse. This film is nicely done. The actors and actresses did a great performance and were very convincing!

If this man had never made any film except Chinatown, he would deserve 5 stars. But when you add Knife in the Water, Repulsion, the Pianist, and Rosemary's Baby you have to wonder why you can't give him 6. His personal life may not stand up to a lot of scrutiny, but there aren't a lot in Hollywood who can, and given recent revelations, it appears that Polanski's crime may have been overstated.

When he wasn't busy sleeping with girl scouts, Polanski made some decent films. Chinatown is an obvious classic. The Pianist is pretty good. Polanski's psychology is one of a classic disturbed artist- enjoy his work but keep him at a distance from your daughters.

Roman Polanski is a child molestor who left the country to escape his fifty years. I'm sorry, but that is just something I cannot get over. Political views or some moral issues I can get over, but taking advantage of an innocent child, I just cannot in good conscience support that. Please, I'm begging all of you, do not see this man's films. Don't support this coward and pervert. Plus, his directing style just isn't my thing.

Whatever you make of his personal life,he hit the Highpoint with Chinatown.Rosemarys Baby was pretty good,too.However,I think many of the other directors on this list are superior,so I'll give him a 3.

Nasty stuff,,,,,got to be a 1..

As a person, he may be a sleaze, but keep in mind his mother died in a concentration camp, and he spent his childhood running from the Nazis. That would screw anybody up. I guess I sound like I'm making excuses for him, but the truth is, character aside, I think he's a great director. Chinatown is a classic, and I loved Tess too.

The worst type of scum. He should be in jail with those child-raping Roman Catholic priests.

Has made some good movies, however The Ninth Gate wasn't all that great.

I'm rating his abilities as a film-maker, not his personal morals Redoedo!

Polanski is a great director who often directs bad films. Actually, out of the 7 movies of his I've seen, I only liked 4: Chinatown, The Pianist, Rosemary's Baby, and Tess. But he directs all of his films well.

Raped any teenagers lately?