#33 - Brick - R (2005)

Breaking out onto the movie scene in 2005, Rian Johnson's debut film instantly brought attention to his smooth capability as a writer/director. While garnering high praise in the indy film community not only was the director a standout but also the lead actor as well. Joseph Gordon Levitt smoothly transitioned from child actor to leading man with ease. This neo noir mystery film quickly became a cult classic leading the way for other indy films to be released widely to the general public.