#12: Becoming a Director

Even in the 1960s, Beatty was more than just an actor—he was deeply involved in filmmaking. He frequently clashed with directors over creative choices and sought more control over his projects.

By the decade’s end, he was already eyeing a transition to producing and directing. He admired filmmakers like Elia Kazan and Arthur Penn and learned from their techniques. Beatty’s insistence on artistic control set him apart from many of his contemporaries.