David Fincher

A filmmaker highly acclaimed for his gritty, stylish films. Started out directing commercials and music videos, most notably "Vogue" by Madonna. His movies tend to be very dark, both visually and thematically, and to evoke sensations of Paranoia and Claustrophobia. Best known for Se7en, Fight Club, and The Social Network.

Fincher's directorial efforts:
 * Alien 3 (disowned due to Executive Meddling)
 * Se7en
 * The Game
 * Fight Club
 * Panic Room
 * Zodiac
 * The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
 * The Social Network
 * The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011 American adaptation)
 * House of Cards (Pilot of American adaptation of the series)

Notable tropes in David Fincher's career and films include:

 * Award Bait: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is generally regarded as such.
 * Berserk Button: Never mention Alien 3 in front of this gentleman.
 * Development Hell: Had signed on to do the animated adaption of The Goon, but the film is currently in the process of finding funding. The short teaser trailer, starring Paul Giamatti as Franky and Clancy Brown as Goon, can be found online, though- it's generally regarded as being pretty awesome.
 * Doing It for the Art: In an interview around the time of the release of Fight Club, he explained that he doesn't derive the least amount of pleasure from directing films and only does it for the challenge and sense of satisfaction that comes when the film is finished.
 * Old Shame: For him at least, Alien 3.
 * Oscar Bait: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button was widely accused of this, a sentimental, PG-13 fantasy/drama film with heavy similarities to (and the same screenwriter as) Forrest Gump, standing in stark contrast to the dark, edgy and subversive hard-R films that Fincher was known for. For better or worse, it worked: Benjamin Button received more Oscar nominations than all of Fincher's previous films combined.
 * Production Posse: He has repeatedly collaborated with screenwriter Andrew Kevin Walker, actor Brad Pitt, cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth and musician Trent Reznor.
 * Jared Leto also applies to a degree.