James Benning
DirectingAbout James Benning
Over the past thirty-five years James Benning (b. 1942) has played a central role in the history of American independent cinema by offering his rigorously structured yet wonderfully graceful films as extended meditations on the American landscape and its social and environmental histories. Benning’s life and work have been shaped by his passionate wanderlust—born in Milwaukee, he lived for intervals in Colorado, the Missouri Ozarks, Illinois and Oklahoma before settling in Val Verde, California in 1987, with car and motorcycle journeys around the country generating such films as I-94 (1975) and Four Corners (1997). His career has been equally restless, ranging from his early experimentation with an avant-garde aesthetic to his embrace, during the 1980s and 90s, of explicitly autobiographical elements and increased human content. With his “California Trilogy” (2000-2001) Benning entered a new phase, refining his formalist style and political concerns while distilling his abiding interest in place and exacting organizational structures.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of James Benning reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 16 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of James Benning'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 19% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), James Benning remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in The United States of America, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best James Benning Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from James Benning's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of James Benning.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Benning's Dream | Self (voice) | Flop | Similar → |
| 2020 | On Paradise Road | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2020 | She Dies Tomorrow | Leatherman | Flop | Similar → |
| 2019 | 中孚 61. The Inner Truth | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2018 | Telemundo | Himself | Flop | Similar → |
| 2018 | L. Cohen | Himself | Flop | Similar → |
| 2016 | thinking of red | - | Flop | Similar → |
| 2013 | Coming to Terms | The Father | Hit | Similar → |
| 2013 | Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater | Self | Average | Similar → |
| 2012 | Stemple Pass | Ted Kaczynski (voice) | Super Hit | Similar → |
| 2011 | The Great Gatsby in Five Minutes | Owl Eyes | Flop | Similar → |
| 2003 | James Benning: Circling the Image | Himself | Flop | Similar → |
| 1997 | Four Corners | Narrator | Average | Similar → |
| 1989 | Used Innocence | (voice) | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | The United States of America | - | Super Hit | Similar → |
| N/A | Maintenance | Himself | Flop | Similar → |
James Benning - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of James Benning?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring James Benning is "The United States of America" with a rating of 7.6/10.
How many movies has James Benning acted in?
James Benning has been featured in at least 16 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by James Benning?
Other notable films include "Stemple Pass", "Coming to Terms", and "Double Play: James Benning and Richard Linklater".