Howard Deutch, known for his work as both a feature and TV director, started out in the entertainment industry with a strong family connection—his father, Murray Deutch, was a prominent figure in music publishing and served as president of United Artists Records. It was there, in the advertising department of the same company, that Howard Deutch first cut his teeth before venturing out on his own. As one of the founding partners of Kanew-Manger-Deutch, a powerhouse in Hollywood’s movie trailer scene, Howard Deutch played a key role in shaping promotional content for major films. During this time, he worked alongside countless filmmakers, contributing to trailers that not only captivated audiences but also earned critical acclaim.
Eventually, Howard Deutch transitioned from crafting compelling previews to directing full-fledged creative projects. He made a name for himself in the music video world, helming memorable visuals for artists like Billy Idol—most notably “Flesh for Fantasy”—and Billy Joel with the upbeat “Keeping the Faith.” These early successes helped solidify Howard Deutch’s reputation as a dynamic visual storyteller. Alongside his commercial and music work, he further developed his craft under the mentorship of Kurt Dempster at New York’s prestigious Ensemble Studio Theatre. There, Howard Deutch directed several stage productions, including “Landscape with Waitress” and “Surprise,” refining his narrative instincts and deepening his understanding of character and pacing. Through each phase of his career, Howard Deutch has consistently demonstrated a keen eye for storytelling across multiple mediums.
When it comes to Howard Deutch’s filmography, fans and critics alike often point to Pretty in Pink (1986) as his standout work—widely regarded as Howard Deutch’s highest rated movie. The 1980s classic, with its heartfelt storytelling and iconic soundtrack, really put Howard Deutch on the map as a director who could capture teenage emotion with authenticity. On the other end of the spectrum, Howard Deutch’s lowest rated film tends to be Getting Even With Dad (1994), which didn’t resonate as strongly with audiences or reviewers. While it had its moments, it simply didn’t reach the same cultural or critical impact as earlier entries in Howard Deutch’s career. Overall, Howard Deutch’s body of work shows range, but it’s clear that certain projects, like Pretty in Pink, remain the highlights when discussing Howard Deutch’s legacy in cinema.