10 Commandments for Robert Aldrich

1) Though shalt direct in a gritty, no-nonsense style.

2) Thou shalt use an unusually long pre-credit sequence and slightly over-long running time.

3) Thou shalt use actors from thy stock company.

4) Thou shalt emphasise sweat on actor's faces.

5) If thou makest a war film, thy troops should fight amongst themselves as much as they fight the enemy.

6) Thou shalt be cycnical about military glory.

7) Thou shalt have comedy scenes that involve characters laughing raucously.

8) Thou shalt have protagonists who are older and/or borderline psychopaths.

9) Thou shalt have characters with dysfunctional sex relationships.

10) Thou shalt constantly over-reach financially but demonstrate a tenacity and ability to "stay at the table" which ensures thy career shall endure.