John Ford was a prolific filmmaker whose impact on American cinema is hard to overstate. Over a career spanning five decades, Ford directed dozens of films that have become classics of the Western genre and beyond. When discussing his work, it's not uncommon to hear a range of synonyms used to describe him. Some might call him a master storyteller, a genius filmmaker, a pioneer of cinema, or simply an American icon. But no matter how he is described, there is no denying the lasting legacy of John Ford and the influence he continues to have on filmmakers today.