Here's what I posted about the OP in the anime thread. I feel it's lacking.
Eureka Seven AO - Opening 2
This opening is storyboarded and directed by Yasushi Muraki. He's the special effects director of the series, and basically the guy who plans and animates the more elaborate action sequences so far. I like the guy a lot as an effects animator. He has a great sense of action flow and motion, as well as a great flair for making something feel really fast, dynamic, and exciting. The problem is, I don't think he's a very good director in general.
He hasn't really directed much, as he is primarily an animator. He did direct the Halo Legends short called Prototype though, which was also animated by BONES. I think both that short and this E7AO OP exhibit similar weaknesses in direction. There are some really solid individual cuts, and the general concept of the action is extremely sound. But the overall composition of the entire piece is lacking.
Muraki shows a lack of understanding in how to direct something like an experienced film maker, or someone who has a natural understanding of film language. Instead he focuses on what he knows best - good action and effects animation, and then fills the rest of the piece with stuff which feel generic and by the books, without making the piece feel unique or special in any way.
I think this is a good example of how some animators are better suited to directing and some are better suited to just staying with animation.
