If a certain aspect were to bring an entire film together, some would say that style would be the definitive turning point. Whether it be a comedy, gothic romance, horror or drama, these genres bring out certain styles within all aspects of a film that make it its own. Style can have a variety of meanings whether it be colour palettes, distinctive filming or directorial style, mise-en-scene or acting techniques… the list could go on. Style gives films character and individuality, which is what certain film genres in the 21st century may lack (see romantic comedies or superhero movies). The success of style in film depends on how well the collaborative process between everyone involved is. If people cannot agree on or aren’t passionate about the creation of a film, it won’t succeed as well if everyone was on the same page.
Technology, fashion and societal norms are things that trapped filmmakers in the past but as time has ticked on and aspects of life have evolved, there is more room to make the content you might want to create. Many directors feel comfortable and have defined their career with a certain style. This can be seen in Guillermo Del Toro who works within the realm of gothic inspired dramas, with creatures he imagines up himself and also features lands unlike others (See ‘Hell-boy’, ‘Pans Labyrinth’ and ‘Crimson Peak’). Along this line Tim Burton is one of the most famous directors in the world, for having a style so unlike anyone else’s that made his career explode (See ‘Edward Scissor Hands’, ‘Sweeney Todd’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’). Someone such as Wes Anderson is a more modern look into how a director can be defined by style, and how it can be unusual yet simultaneously popular and successful. In his films, he usually has quirky characters with odd dialogue and plot points (played by actors he is familiar and works well with, such as Owen Wilson and Bill Murray). He has vibrant and effervescent colour palettes for each one of his films (http://www.anothermag.com/art-photography/3586/wes-andersons-colour-palettes) and foreign or out of the ordinary location settings (Life Aquatic: Mainly, a boat, The Darjeeling Limited: India, Grand Budapest Hotel: Hotel in Budapest, just to name a few).
Style can be repetitive, it can make or break a filmmaker, it has the ability to be endearing, fresh, new and exciting all at once if it is done with passion.
