How do you judge a director?

[Marine Mike]

For me its literally everything in the movie that is under the director's control. It goes all the way down to the wardrobe.

[Jayromy]

Originally Posted by Marine Mike

For me its literally everything in the movie that is under the director's control. It goes all the way down to the wardrobe.

I think it's hard to break down what makes a good director. For me I typically judge a new director on how unique his/her work is. Is he /she bringing something totally original, daring, different? What caliber of performances can he/she coax from the actors?
With a seasoned director I am judging them not only on a single project but their body of work as a whole. How far outside their comfort zone do they stride with every new project, and do they excel once they are there? Are they constantly trying new subjects and genres, while maintaining the sensibilities and techniques that make them stand out? Additionally, how important are they to the industry itself? Are they helping to move the industry and art form forward by introducing new techniques, technologies and themes ?

[assydingo]

If the movie has a distinct style, are they willing to try other genres, if the actors are noticeably different or better, how well the plot is presented, etc.

I could hate a movie but if it's true to the source material (300) then they'd still get brownie points.

[Jeremy1983]

Mostly by if they found the right tone, pacing, and added something unique to fit their particular style. And of course the lack of "cheese factor".