"I watched a lot of silent directors who were absolutely great like John Ford and Fritz Lang, Tod Browning, and also some very modern directors like The Coen Brothers. The directors take the freedom within their own movies to be melodramatic or funny when they chose to be. They do whatever they want and they don't care about the genre"

In this quote, Michel Hazanavicius is expressing his appreciation for a vast array of filmmakers from both the quiet film period and the modern age. By mentioning directors like John Ford, Fritz Lang, and Tod Browning, Hazanavicius acknowledges the pioneering efforts of early filmmakers who prepared for storytelling in movie theater. These directors were known for their ability to convey powerful stories without the use of synchronized noise, relying instead on visuals, expressionism, and innovative strategies. Ford's mastery of the Western, Lang's exploration of dystopian and mental themes, and Browning's ventures into horror and the macabre exemplify the varied possibilities within quiet filmmaking.

Hazanavicius then juxtaposes these silent age titans with modern filmmakers like the Coen Brothers, who are renowned for their genre-defying films that blend components of comedy, drama, and thriller. The Coen Brothers are especially noted for their ability to flawlessly browse between numerous tones and designs, making their movies unpredictable and engaging.

The main theme of Hazanavicius's declaration is the imaginative flexibility that directors, whether from the silent age or modern times, workout within their movies. He highlights the concept that fantastic directors are not constrained by genre conventions; instead, they have the liberty to infuse their work with aspects of melodrama, humor, or any other stylistic option that serves their vision. This freedom permits filmmakers to craft special storytelling experiences that reflect their personal artistic intent.

Eventually, Hazanavicius's respect for directors across various periods underscores the timeless nature of innovative expression in cinema. It recommends that regardless of the era or technological improvements, the heart of filmmaking depends on the ability to narrate in a manner that is both genuine and resonant, a venture that transcends the borders of genre itself.