But What I Really Want to Do Is Direct

Although film is an inherently collaborative medium, the director plays arguably the most important role in the production of a movie, and indeed, is credited as the “author” of a film in the minds of many critics (and under the laws of many countries). Unsurprisingly, being responsible for executing the artistic vision of a movie may strike some people as a task too daunting to dare. However, despite the challenges involved in directing, it remains an irresistibly compelling object of desire for many.

We asked our readers whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement “You would love to direct a movie,” and the data seemed to indicate a sharp disparity between certain personality trait pairings:

A large gap could be found between Intuitive and Observant types (60% and 36% agreeing, respectively) and between Extraverts and Introverts (57% and 42%).

Which personality types most want to direct? Let’s find out:

Roles

Analysts and Diplomats (both agreeing 60%)

Analysts and Diplomats were virtually tied in their desire to direct a film. The totalitarian aspects of directing – the ability to exert control over even the most minute elements of a production – may hold the most appeal for Analysts, who can find collaboration difficult when they do not have the final say in the matter. Diplomats, conversely, may see the role of a director as less of a dictator and more of a facilitator, enabling many people to come together to tell a story, and might love the opportunity to mutually shape the artistic vision of a movie.

Explorers and Sentinels (37% and 35%)

Far fewer Explorers and Sentinels wanted to be directors. Where Analysts and Diplomats tend to be “big-picture” types (pun definitely intended), thinking more of grand designs and possibilities, Explorers and Sentinels are often more focused on the day-to-day details of a project. Explorers may find the job of director, separated, to be boring. They usually prefer a hands-on role: set design, executing the perfect action shot, or acting. Sentinels, for their part, might excel at the functional and administrative side of directing a movie – that lighting is off over their dead bodies – but they may have little interest in fighting for a grander creative vision.

It’s hard to imagine quiet and sensitive Defenders (ISFJ) and Adventurers (ISFP) taking on such a grandiose role, and indeed these personality types agreed with the statement least of any type (25% and 28%, respectively). Yet, a quarter or more did agree. It’s likely that these gentler personality types envision creating something beautiful and purposeful, a short work of art or a documentary on a local issue, shared with an intimate audience – not next summer’s critically acclaimed blockbuster hit.

Strategies

Social Engagement and People Mastery (59% and 55% agreeing, respectively)

The two Extraverted strategies, Social Engagement and People Mastery, were also the two who reported most wanting to direct, though by no overwhelming majority. Although making movies may appeal to those who want to make something for all the world to see, many Extraverts may find the prospect of being behind the camera less satisfying than being in front of it.

A likely exception to this is Turbulent Debaters (ENTP-T), who agreed with the statement more than any other type (72%). When a Debater has something to say, they find a way to say it. Film may be the perfect medium: Debaters have the opportunity to say what they have to say in its entirety, without interruption, and to a captive audience. These outspoken personality types could hardly ask for more.

Constant Improvement and Confident Individualism (43% and 39%)

Less than half of the Introverted Strategies, Constant Improvement and Confident Individualism, expressed an urge to direct a movie. Some Introverts might harbor a secret wish to bring their rich inner lives to life on the big screen. But most probably realize that, for them, being at the epicenter of an undertaking that involves so many people (actors, producers, screenwriters, and an endlessly critical audience) would be far more trouble than it’s worth.

Conclusions

Just as many people may love the idea of being an author but have little desire to actually write a book, many people may idly entertain fantasies of directing a movie, yet hesitate when it comes to actually doing so. After all, directing a film is typically a grueling endeavor, filled with 20-hour days and constant anxiety over creative differences, budget overruns, actor troubles, and sundry other catastrophes.

It may be, then, that those who most want to direct are those who feel most like they have a story to tell – people who can easily imagine the whole grand work, rather than dwelling on the thousands of difficulties that will arise on the way there. It’s also a dream that follows those with more romantic notions. Analysts and Diplomats, both types who tend to have more grandiose imaginations than others, may dream of directing. Explorers and Sentinels may be just as equipped to be directors, but they may have fewer illusions as to what directing entails.

Have you directed a film, or dreamed of doing so? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!