**Sergei Parajanov** (1924–1990), Armenian film director and screenwriter, was widely regarded as one of the most original and imaginative filmmakers of the 20th century.


Parajanov's Midjourney style inherits the original's vivid, surreal imagery, the themes of cultural identity and tradition. Distinct characters, bold visuals, and a feeling of the surreal come with every prompt with Sergei Parajanov's name.

**Mario Bava** (1914–1980), Italian film director, screenwriter, and cinematographer, was one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of Italian horror and fantasy cinema. Bava was known for his imaginative use of visual effects, stylish cinematography, and the exploration of themes of desire, death, and the supernatural. His most famous films include “Black Sunday,” “The Whip and the Body,” and “Black Sabbath.” Bava's influence extends to modern horror cinema.


When Bava's name appears in your prompt, Midjourney brings back surreal scenes in intense colors. As with Argento's style, without additional context these scenes are mostly inhabited by female characters (often in distress).

**Leni Riefenstahl** (1902—2003), German film director, actress, and dancer, was one of the most prominent and controversial filmmakers of the 20th century. She is best known for her documentary films that celebrated Nazi Germany and its leader, Adolf Hitler. Riefenstahl's films, such as “Triumph of the Will” and “Olympiad,” used innovative cinematography, dramatic music, and powerful imagery to convey a highly propagandistic message. While her films have been widely criticized for their role in promoting Nazi ideology, Riefenstahl's technical and artistic innovations have been widely admired and continue to influence filmmakers to this day.


Riefenstahl's Midjourney style is all about epicness, with classical monochromatic tones or vintage movie colors, strong contrast, and powerful compositions.

**Pedro Almodóvar** (b. 1949), Spanish film director and screenwriter, is known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged films that explore themes of love, sexuality, and identity. His films include 'Talk to Her' and 'Volver.' Almodóvar's work features strong character development, unconventional relationships, and a vivid visual style. Widely regarded as one of the most important and influential filmmakers of his generation, Almodóvar is credited with contributing to the development of modern Spanish cinema while being highly controversial and challenging societal norms.

**Roger Deakins** (b. 1949), legendary English cinematographer, is responsible for masterpieces like “The Shawshank Redemption,” “No Country for Old Men,” “Blade Runner 2049,” “True Grit,” and “1917.” Deakins is a genius at visual storytelling, masterfully using light and color to create impactful and memorable imagery. Known for his use of shadows and framing, Deakins is considered one of the greatest cinematographers of all time, winning numerous awards, including 15 Academy Award nominations (and 2 wins).

Misty, multilayered, vivid images that Midjourney creates in response to Roger Deakin's name are epic, dark, and dramatic, permeated by the vast sense of loneliness.

**James Bidgood** (1933–2022), American filmmaker and photographer, was famous for his 1971 film “Pink Narcissus,” a seminal work of American independent filmmaking. Bidgood's work is characterized by its elaborate, fantastical visual style, its exploration of themes of desire and longing, and its use of innovative techniques and materials. He is also known for his distinctive approach to filmmaking, which emphasizes hand-made techniques, imaginative use of color, and a singular artistic vision.


Bidgood's style in Midjourney often features elaborate sets and costumes (or lack thereof). Justifying his title of a pioneer of queer art, the queer theme shows through most generations with Bidgood's name, as well as his otherworldly visual manner and color scheme that can be somewhat described as the “neon craze.”

**Guillermo del Toro** (b. 1964), Mexican film director, screenwriter, and producer, creates inventive, dreamlike, and visually stunning films blending elements of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. His works include “Pan's Labyrinth” and “The Shape of Water.” Del Toro is a master of intricate storytelling, a talented designer of memorable fantastical creatures, and a builder of immersive and unforgettable worlds.


Del Toro's Midjourney style is perfect for gothic scenery, mysterious characters, and a dramatic atmosphere.

**Dario Argento** (b. 1940), Italian film director, producer, and screenwriter, is a leading figure in the Italian horror genre (*giallo*). Argento is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in the field.


Argento's Midjourney style—as well as his original art—is characterized by its bold and vivid colors, dream-like visuals, suspenseful, unsettling atmosphere, and memorable, dark set pieces.

**Takashi Miike** (b. 1960), Japanese film director, is known for his prolific work in various genres, particularly horror and thriller. Miike's films are often characterized by their extreme violence, bizarre humor, and a penchant for shocking and provocative content. His most notable works include “Audition,” “Ichi the Killer,” and “13 Assassins.”

In Midjourney, Miike's style translates into visually intense and often disturbing imagery. Expect a blend of the grotesque and the surreal, with a focus on unconventional narratives and striking, sometimes shocking visual elements.

**Wes Anderson** (b. 1969), American film director, producer, and screenwriter, is celebrated for his distinctive visual and narrative style. Anderson's films, such as “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “Moonrise Kingdom,” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” are known for their symmetrical compositions, vibrant color palettes, and quirky, detailed characters.


Wes Anderson's Midjourney style is marked by whimsical, meticulously crafted visuals that evoke a sense of nostalgic elegance. Expect to see symmetrically framed scenes, a pastel-dominated color scheme, and an intricate attention to detail in every generated image.