There are few things more important to film directors than visual style. While story and performance are always given the utmost attention, the look and feel of a film can be just as influential. Visual style gives directors a unique voice that can make their work recognizable without a word being uttered. And with recognition comes reputation: legendary filmmakers such as Francois Truffaut, Orson Welles, and Alfred Hitchcock had such distinct styles that their names became synonymous with their singular aesthetics.
Today, this is more important than ever. Modern directors have to find new ways to tell stories that will set them apart from the pack, and a select few do it in a way that speaks to their unique sensibilities while resonating with a wide audience. In the video, shutterstock pays homage to the visual style of five present-day legends using only footage and music found in the Shutterstock library. I found this so interesting and well done.