Robert Flaherty
DirectingAbout Robert Flaherty
Robert Joseph Flaherty (February 16, 1884 – July 23, 1951) was an American filmmaker who directed and produced the first commercially successful feature-length documentary film, Nanook of the North (1922). The film made his reputation and nothing in his later life fully equaled its success, although he continued the development of this new genre of narrative documentary with Moana (1926), set in the South Seas, and Man of Aran (1934), filmed in Ireland's Aran Islands. Flaherty is considered the "father" of both the documentary and the ethnographic film. Andrew Sarris in his influential book of film criticism The American Cinema: Directors and Directions 1929–1968 included him in the "pantheon" of the 14 greatest film directors who had worked in the United States.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Robert Flaherty reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 4 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of Robert Flaherty's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 25% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Robert Flaherty remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The Land, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Robert Flaherty Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Robert Flaherty's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Robert Flaherty.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Cast of Shadows | self (archival) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2023 | Monica in the South Seas | Self (archival footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2010 | A Boatload of Wild Irishmen | Himself (archive footage) | Flop | Similar → |
| 1942 | The Land | Narrator (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
Robert Flaherty - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Robert Flaherty?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Robert Flaherty is "The Land" with a rating of 7.0/10.
How many movies has Robert Flaherty acted in?
Robert Flaherty has been featured in at least 4 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Robert Flaherty?
Other notable films include "Monica in the South Seas", "A Boatload of Wild Irishmen", and "Cast of Shadows".