Stuart Gordon, the cult film auteur/showbiz everyman, died earlier this week at the age of 72. Best known for his 1985 Lovecraftian effort Re-Animator, Gordon was also a creative force to be reckoned with in Chicago’s Theater scene — working as a playwright and producer, and establishing the Organic Theater Company (which produced works by David Mamet and other powerhouse talents). Gordon’s biggest mainstream success came in 1989 when he co-created Disney’s blockbuster Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Although he is primarily thought of as a genre director, the body of work that Gordon leaves behind is that of a true master of arts who was equally at home in a theater or on a film set. His legacy is that of a versatile storyteller who excelled at examining the human condition…both the dark and light sides of.
In the poll below, vote for your favorite of the films he directed, and please use the comments section as a place to share your insights on how Stuart Gordon personally impacted your life.