Perusing through our topics here and there, reading with especial interest the thread on best directors of all time...What does make a director great in your opinion?  Is it because you like the films that they make? Is that the sole qualification? Or is it more of the subtle or invisible?
Their choice of shot?
Their cinematography?
Perhaps their reputation?
Their particular technique of juxtaposing soundtrack and shot?

I'm curious, as the more I think about it, the more I think the essence of a director's work is nothing we can see tangibly in the finished product of a film.. it's more elusive than that.  A great director can elicit a great performance from a good actor - but is that obvious in the finished product?

I'd love to hear what others have to say. 