1.Michael Bay. Known for Transformers, Pearl Harbor, Bad Boys.

One of the most commercially successful filmmakers in history, but also the most criticized. Bay has stated that he makes movies for “little teenagers”.

Highly known for making visually stunning films with sloppy storytelling characterized by quick cuts and explosive action sequences, Bay’s films make no pretense of conveying a superior message. Instead, his goal is simply to entertain.

The epic depiction of property destruction in his films has become his defining theme. So much so that moviegoers have coined the term “Bayhem.”

He has been regarded as a pioneer of the technological sophistication of American cinema, choosing to employ extravagant special effects in his films that are tied to large explosions and fast-action sequences.

In his films, Bay often tries to portray the cinematic experience of blockbusters in their cinematic roots; unfiltered, pure and entertaining action. But this is often at the expense of a believable story that lacks substance or compelling character development.

His signature is visible on all of his films, making it impossible for fans to confuse his work with someone else’s. Although, the way he repeatedly neglects dialogue has led many to conclude that Bay is unable to balance action and visuals. This has led critics to compare Zack Snyder’s work to their own. But one could note the level of emotional ambiguity that Snyder’s characters represent and the lack of Bay.

2.Tim Burton. Known for Batman, Alice in Wonderland, Dark Shadows.

Known as the “gothic” director, Burton makes films centered around dark fantasy folklore. His 1992 Batman sequel was deemed too dark and “unsafe” for children, prompting Warner Bros. to replace him with Joel Schumacher in the third installment.

His films often feature main characters who are monsters, oddballs, and loners, which he carefully weaves together to develop a compelling story.

She is also very fond of costumes, especially those from the Victorian era, regardless of what time period the film is set in. Helping to give the narrative a gothic appeal.

Burton’s visual style has successfully incorporated gothic with art and made it mainstream. Gothic architectural designs, as seen in Batman and Dark Shadows, haunted castles, ghosts and vampires are all part of his unique storytelling style and set him apart from other directors.

3. Quentin Tarantino. Known for Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, Django Unchained

Tarantino’s films are filled with extended dialogue scenes and non-linear storytelling techniques that rival Christopher Nolan. While his films are always meant to entertain, Tarantino often employs a satirical theme intended to convey a message or criticize an established institution.

He uses a variety of cinematic techniques in his films, constantly making references to popular culture and making use of “soundtracks containing songs and sheet music from the 1960s and 1980s”.

Tarantino draws inspiration from traditional Hong Kong and Japanese films as well as spaghetti westerns, which is evident in Kill Bill. Even with his critically acclaimed achievements, he has been criticized for the excessive use of blood and the absurd use of violence in his films.

Also a prolific writer, Tarantino has practically created a new genre for his films and has continued to inspire modern filmmakers. We all look forward to the Star Trek version of him.

4.Christopher Nolan. Known for The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, Interstellar

Among the most critically acclaimed filmmakers in modern cinema, Nolan uses nonlinear storytelling that is deeply rooted in themes that feature human morality, ambiguity, and personal identity. He is also a big fan of practical special effects.

One of the most recurring themes in Nolan’s works is memory. Its reliability and unreliability. How it is just an entity that ultimately shapes what we consider to be reality or present. His fascination with memories is reflected in “Moment” and “Inception.
Like Snyder’s works, Nolan’s works also attempt to reflect philosophical concepts and create questions that serve no purpose other than to create new questions.

The construction and manipulation of time are also among his themes, as noted in Inception, Interstellar, and Moment. Almost all of his films at some point have their roots in the transcendence of time, causing it to be an illusion while at the same time not revealing the “truth”.

Nolan uses various writing styles like; moving the point of view, using unreliable narrators, Flashbacks and Flashforwards and anticlimactic scenes. He has set himself apart from other modern-era filmmakers with his distinctive directing style, writing skills, and preference for practical effects. Dunkirk, his most recent film, is a prime example of this. It has been reported that over 80% of the film’s effects were practical, making it another potential masterpiece with an Oscar nomination.

5. Zack Snyder

Known for 300, Batman v Superman, Watchmen.

A misunderstood genius, a master of visual storytelling and the pioneer of comic book movies that appeal to human behavior or a hacker who uses excessive symbolism in movies that lack character development and tries to make up for this with overused CGI. This is Snyder’s last debate.

His films spark discussions on a philosophical level that cause even the most dedicated fans to initially question his motives.

Great or not, Snyder’s has a distinctive way of telling a story. He has become one of the most influential directors of the 21st century. Constantly compared to Michael Bay, critics have stated that Snyder sacrifices a good story for visual awe while glorifying violence on a level that seems almost offensive.

It employs the use of dreamy color palettes and visual effects straight out of a comic book. His signature includes the use of slow motion between action scenes, which has set him apart from other filmmakers.

For better or worse, Snyder has changed people’s perception of action movies. Even James Cameron claimed that Snyder makes movies ahead of time. Batman v Superman went a long way in cementing his position as one of the most controversial filmmakers in the modern world.

Snyder’s directing style, especially his influence on the DC Extended Universe, has earned him a devoted and dedicated fan base. The recent release of Justice League proved that. Fans of him are convinced that the version shown in theaters was not the original vision of him, so they start a petition for the “Snyder cut” release.