Rouben Mamoulian (1897-1987) was an influential Armenian-American director, a pioneer in cinematic innovation. Hailing from Broadway theater, where he directed seminal productions such as "Porgy and Bess" and "Oklahoma!", he brought a dynamic vision to cinema.

He was a pivotal innovator in the use of sound, rejecting the static conventions of the era. His debut film, *Applause* (1929), demonstrated a revolutionary use of the moving camera and sound. In *Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde* (1931), Mamoulian excelled in the psychological transformation of the character and the subjective use of the camera.

He also excelled in musicals such as *Love Me Tonight* (1932), renowned for its narrative fluidity and the integration of music and story. He was a precursor in the use of Technicolor, directing *Becky Sharp* (1935), the first feature film entirely in color, and the visually lavish *Blood and Sand* (1941).

His style is characterized by bold camera movements, visually rich mise-en-scène, and an innovative approach to integrating all cinematic elements.