Director's Trademarks

Season 1

Filmmakers often thread their films with bold visuals, unique characters, creative color schemes, and more to create one-of-a-kind movie-going experiences for audiences everywhere. IMDb takes a closer look at the signature trademarks of the world's greatest film directors.

Where to Watch Director's Trademarks • Season 1

25 Episodes

Luc Besson
E1
Luc BessonFrom his breathtaking visuals to his comic-book influences, take a closer look at the trademarks of Luc Besson's directorial style.
James Cameron
E2
James CameronFrom fierce female characters to groundbreaking visual FX, take a closer look at the trademarks of James Cameron's directorial style.
Steven Spielberg
E3
Steven SpielbergIMDb takes a closer look at the trademarks of Steven Spielberg's directorial style, including shooting stars, striking silhouettes, reflective perspectives, tracking shots, and more.
Wes Anderson
E4
Wes AndersonIMDb takes a closer look at the trademarks of Wes Anderson's directorial style, including tracking shots, hand-placed objects, distinct color palettes, and more.
Stanley Kubrick
E5
Stanley KubrickThe Cannes Film Festival will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Stanley Kubrick's '2001: A Space Odyssey' with a world premiere of an unrestored 70mm print. In honor of this landmark, IMDb takes a closer look at the trademarks of Kubrick's directorial style.
Christopher Nolan
E6
Christopher NolanWhat do 'The Dark Knight,' 'Inception,' and 'Memento' have in common? IMDb dives into the distinct trademarks of Christopher Nolan's directorial style, including IMAX cinematography, mind-bending visuals, and practical special effects.
M. Night Shyamalan
E7
M. Night ShyamalanHere's a plot twist: M. Night Shyamalan has a unique visual style threaded through his disparate supernatural, thriller, and genre films that goes much deeper than his surprise endings. From 'The Sixth Sense' to 'Unbreakable' to 'Glass,' IMDb dives into the trademarks of writer, director, producer, and actor M. Night Shyamalan.
Peter Berg
E8
Peter BergFrom 'The Rundown' to 'Lone Survivor' to 'Mile 22,' IMDb dives into the trademarks of writer, director, producer, and actor Peter Berg.
Spike Lee
E9
Spike LeeWake up. Wanna know how to 'Do the Right Thing'? From 'She's Gotta Have It' to 'BlacKkKlansman,' IMDb dives deep into films of Spike Lee.
Alfonso Cuarón
E10
Alfonso CuarónFrom 'Y Tu Mamá También' to 'Children of Men,' 'Gravity' and his latest, 'Roma,' IMDb dives into the trademark stylings of writer, director, producer, and editor Alfonso Cuarón.
Steve McQueen
E11
Steve McQueenThrough detailed close-ups, single-take dialogues, and powerhouse performances, Oscar-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen has shown audiences his unflinching perspectives on real-world drama.
Quentin Tarantino
E12
Quentin TarantinoFrom 'Reservoir Dogs' to 'The Hateful Eight,' and his latest, 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,' IMDb dives into the trademarks of actor, writer, and director, Quentin Tarantino.
Peter Jackson
E13
Peter JacksonThrough 'Bad Taste' and ' The Frighteners', two 'Lord of the Rings' trilogies and 'King Kong', IMDb explores the unique trademarks of the Oscar-winning writer and director Peter Jackson.
Damien Chazelle
E14
Damien ChazelleWith his breakthrough hit 'Whiplash,' his Oscar-winning follow-up 'La La Land,' and his latest outing, 'First Man,' writer and director Damien Chazelle has shown audiences his fierce love for music and cinema through his vibrant and definitive dedication to filmmaking craft.
Luca Guadagnino
E15
Luca GuadagninoFrom the dazzling locations of 'I Am Love' and emotionally truthful characters of the Oscar-nominated 'Call Me by Your Name,' to his taste for horror in 'Suspiria,' director Luca Guadagnino sat down with IMDb to discuss his cinematic trademarks.
The Coen Brothers
E16
The Coen BrothersFrom the stunning landscapes of 'Fargo' and 'No Country for Old Men' to the peculiar characters of 'The Big Lebowski' and 'Raising Arizona,' Academy Award winners Joel and Ethan Coen have dazzled audiences with their offbeat cinematic stylings for more than 30 years.
David Fincher
E17
David FincherWhat's in the box? IMDb has the answers! From 'Se7en' and 'Fight Club' to 'Gone Girl' and 'Mank,' we explore the cinematic trademarks of director David Fincher.
James Wan
E18
James WanFrom the low-budget chills of 'Saw' and 'The Conjuring' to the big-budget thrills of 'Furious 7' and 'Aquaman,' director James Wan continues to expand his cinematic style and push boundaries to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
Kevin Smith
E19
Kevin SmithSnoochie Boochies! Welcome to the Askweniverse. From the crass dialogue of 'Clerks,' 'Mallrats,' and 'Dogma,' to the pop culture references of 'Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back' and 'Tusk,' writer, director and actor Kevin Smith sat down with IMDb to discuss his filmmaking trademarks.
Catherine Hardwicke
E20
Catherine HardwickeFrom the teenage outcasts of 'Thirteen' and 'Twilight' to the fearless female leads of 'Miss You Already,' and 'Miss Bala,' IMDb showcases visionary director Catherine Hardwicke's cinematic trademarks.
Yorgos Lanthimos
E21
Yorgos LanthimosAwkward adults, dark humor and absurd circumstances: welcome to the mind of Yorgos Lanthimos. From 'Dogtooth' to 'The Favourite,' we break down the auteur director's cinematic trademarks.
Harmony Korine
E22
Harmony KorineMake it! Make it! Don't fake it! From his directorial debut 'Gummo,' to his latest outing, 'The Beach Bum,' writer and director Harmony Korine has plunged audiences into his unique, decadent worlds and out-of-control characters.
Tim Burton
E23
Tim BurtonIt's showtime! From his wacky debut 'Pee-wee's Big Adventure' to his latest outing, 'Dumbo,' we welcome you to the gothic, fairy-tale worlds of macabre master filmmaker, Tim Burton.
Alfred Hitchcock
E24
Alfred HitchcockThrough films like 'Psycho,' 'Vertigo,' and 'The Birds,' legendary director Alfred Hitchcock has horrified audiences and inspired generations of filmmakers with his taste for the macabre and innovative cinematic techniques.
Guy Ritchie
E25
Guy RitchieGuy Ritche has been known for his larger-than-life characters who talk fast and fight hard through films like 'Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,' 'Snatch,' and 'RocknRolla.' More recently, the versatile director has expanded his craft with Hollywood blockbusters like 'Sherlock Holmes,' 'The Man from U.N.C.L.E.' and Disney's 'Aladdin.'