I, too, was brought up in a 5-point, TULIP, Calvinistic home. It's hard to tell whether that influenced my taste in movies; I think it's pretty normal. I like some and hate some (hate aliens popping out of stomachs). Hate stuff with bathroom humor. I like both chick flicks and Dirty Harry.
The screenwriter/director I mentioned is Paul Schrader. He's best known for Taxi Driver (not one of my favorite, but has done some remarkable movies.
Here are some of his screenplays:
Torch (2007) (announced)
The Walker (2007) (post-production)
Bringing Out the Dead (1999) (screenplay)
Forever Mine (1999) (written by)
Affliction (1997) (screenplay)
Touch (1997) (screenplay)
City Hall (1996) (written by)
Light Sleeper (1992) (written by)
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988) (screenplay)
Light of Day (1987) (written by)
The Mosquito Coast (1986) (screenplay)
Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters (1985)
... aka Mishima (USA: short title)
Cat People (1982) (uncredited)
Raging Bull (1980)
American Gigolo (1980)
Old Boyfriends (1979)
Hardcore (1979)
... aka The Hardcore Life (UK)
Blue Collar (1978)
Rolling Thunder (1977) (screenplay) (story)
Obsession (1976) (screenplay) (story)
Taxi Driver (1976) (written by)
The Yakuza (1974)
... aka Brotherhood of the Yakuza (UK: video title)