16 Best Steve Martin Movies Ranked

Lawrence Kasdan — the prolific screenwriter behind films like "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi," and "Raiders of the Lost Ark" – has only hopped into the directing chair on a handful of occasions. But unlike many of his franchise writing credits, his directorial efforts are usually focused on more intimate, personal stories of human connection, friendship, and romance. This manifested itself in films like "The Big Chill," "Mumford," and especially in 1991's "Grand Canyon." 

Amongst a wonderful ensemble cast including Kevin Kline, Danny Glover, Mary-Louise Parker, and Mary McDonnell, Steve Martin finds himself as an action movie director who, after finding himself the victim of a violent shooting, vows to rid violence from cinema. Culminating in a glorious final trip to the titular nature site, "Grand Canyon" uses the shared stories of disparate souls to touch at our interconnected beauty and tragedy in wonderfully moving ways.