While there are several elements that go into making a film such as mise-en-scene, narrative, or editing, the most important aspect of making a film, to me, is the direction. Having a particular direction for a film to follow allows all of its elements to work towards the same end goal. Knowing exactly what you want your audience to think and feel when creating these elements will make them effective for the message you are trying to convey. A good example of this can be found in the film Requiem for a Dream (2000) directed by Darren Aronofsky.
The image above is from the film Requiem for a Dream (Darren Aronofsky). I found it from a review of the film written by JPRoscoe. The website can be found here: Requiem for a Dream (2000) Review |BasementRejects
In this film, Darren Aronofsky utilizes disjunctive editing to make the audience disoriented. Additionally, the films soundtrack synchs with the film in way that is almost diegetic to the film’s world but not. What’s interesting about this is that the content of the film is quite realistic, despite the over stylized editing. Both of these elements contribute to the feeling of being disturbed and confused, which is the goal and direction that the filmmaker is going towards. Without this direction and end goal, the elements of the film would lack purpose and meaning, and the film wouldn’t nearly be as effective at portraying its message.