Ross McElwee
DirectingAbout Ross McElwee
Ross McElwee is an American documentary filmmaker and cinematographer, and Harvard professor, known for his autobiographical films about his family and personal life, usually interwoven with an episodic journey of some sort. McElwee is a 1971 graduate of Brown University, and received his MS from MIT in 1977. He received the Career Award at the 2007 Full Frame Documentary Film Festival.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Ross McElwee reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 10 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of Ross McElwee'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 60% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Ross McElwee remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Charleen or How Long Has This Been Going On?, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Ross McElwee Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Ross McElwee's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Ross McElwee.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Remake | Self | Flop | Similar → |
| 2011 | Photographic Memory | Himself | Average | Similar → |
| 2004 | Bright Leaves | Himself - Narrator (voice) | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Who Is Henry Jaglom? | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1997 | Six O'Clock News | Himself | Average | Similar → |
| 1993 | Time Indefinite | Himself | Hit | Similar → |
| 1991 | Something to Do with the Wall | Narrator | Hit | Similar → |
| 1985 | Sherman's March | Self | Hit | Similar → |
| 1984 | Backyard | Himself | Average | Similar → |
| 1977 | Charleen or How Long Has This Been Going On? | Himself | Super Hit | Similar → |
Ross McElwee - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Ross McElwee?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Ross McElwee is "Charleen or How Long Has This Been Going On?" with a rating of 8.0/10.
How many movies has Ross McElwee acted in?
Ross McElwee has been featured in at least 10 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Ross McElwee?
Other notable films include "Something to Do with the Wall", "Time Indefinite", and "Sherman's March".