Renowned for a career filled with acclaimed Robert De Niro collaborations, the celebrated actor’s insights on directors often carry significant weight in Hollywood. In 2009, De Niro made a striking endorsement of a lesser-known filmmaker, showing faith in Kirk Jones as a future visionary, despite his relatively limited track record at the time.
De Niro’s Storied History with Esteemed Directors
Throughout his long career, Robert De Niro has worked closely with many of cinema’s greatest directors. Notably, his legendary partnership with Martin Scorsese stands out, as their joint projects remain some of the most revered works in film history. However, De Niro’s extensive filmography includes collaborations with other influential names such as Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Mann, Brian De Palma, Bernardo Bertolucci, Eliza Kazan, Michael Cimino, Sergio Leone, Agnès Varda, and Alfonso Cuarón, among others. These experiences have embedded him firmly among the most respected actors within the industry.
A Bold Endorsement for a New Talent
Given his deep experience, De Niro’s assessments of directing talent are notable. In 2009, during the release of the drama ‘Everybody’s Fine,’ De Niro voiced his admiration for its director, Kirk Jones. Jones was known for the sleeper comedy ‘Waking Ned’ and the family-friendly hit ‘Nanny McPhee’ starring Emma Thompson but had yet to reach the ranks of Hollywood’s elite. Still, De Niro was enthusiastic in his support:
“I like Kirk Jones, the director,”
De Niro told Parade.
“I think everything he does will be special. Good directors can bring certain things out of you, with their intensity or gentleness or sensitivity or understanding. They can make an actor feel he can do no wrong.”
— Robert De Niro, Actor
Kirk Jones’ Journey After De Niro’s Praise
‘Everybody’s Fine’ did not achieve significant critical or commercial success, but De Niro has called it among his favorite works. Shortly before this release, Kirk Jones had enjoyed success with his directorial efforts, yet following the film, his output became more mixed. His next projects included the formulaic comedy ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting,’ which received a Razzie Award nomination, and the sequel ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2.’ The latter failed to match the impact or box office returns of the original, earning almost $300 million less and garnering lukewarm reviews.
After several less notable efforts, Jones took a substantial break from filmmaking. However, by 2025, he returned with ‘I Swear,’ his first film written and directed since ‘Everybody’s Fine.’ This biopic of activist John Davidson was widely celebrated as one of the year’s standout British movies and signaled a creative revival after Jones’ period away from mainstream Hollywood. By focusing on this project in the United Kingdom, Jones appeared to reconnect with his strengths as a filmmaker.
What Jones’ Revival Means for De Niro’s Prediction
Although Kirk Jones did not immediately become the Hollywood mainstay Robert De Niro envisioned, his latest film suggests potential for further excellence, echoing De Niro’s early belief. This development demonstrates how artistic careers can evolve, often thriving outside expected environments, as Jones found renewed inspiration back home in Britain. De Niro’s willingness to champion less established talent like Jones adds nuance to the long legacy of remarkable Robert De Niro collaborations, highlighting the ongoing dialogue between renowned actors and the directors who help shape their careers.
