"That's just how it is?" Says who? I've not heard anyone make such a claim before. Personally I think this idea that a director who does one genre of movie the vast majority of their career (or certainly in their most famous works) is therefore somehow void of artistry... a bizarre; even bonkers opinion. No offense. Most directors (the great directors) have a style. That's why they are great, because you can instantly know a director from how they do their films. Because they worked out what makes them special. Most, have a genre they like, and visit again and again. Most have an idea that is prevalent in nearly all their work. Hayao Miyizaki only does animated films, and all them have a similar style and flare; all have fantastical elements to them; nearly all have the self as the 'antagonist'. And he's the greatest animated director of all time.
The idea that being the best at a genre of cinema, but only doing that genre, means you have limited artistic vision is... one of the more... I'm finding it hard to put into words, without being rude (and I'm not trying to be rude, so apologies in advance). If you think that way, truly think a genre director is void of artistry... okay. Then I can't help you. I think it demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of cinema. Of art, even. Sorry, but a variety of genres is the criteria of artistry? What rubbish.
Most artists do their thing, their way, in their distinct style. VERY few actually have
successful versatility across multiple genres; and to make a list of ones who create masterpieces in varied genres would be an even smaller list. Most directors have their genre. What is Hitchcock without suspense? What is Sergio Leone without westerns? They are perfecting their voice. Honing their skills, refining, engaging, always wanting to make that flawless, immortal version of what they do best. Not just in directors, in actors, in painters, in music, in comic writers. And you see it as artistic limitation? I cannot respect that opinion. Apologies.
Never said it did.
The Alien franchise has
Alien (1979) in it, which yes, is categorically artistically better than everything in the MCU, and probably will be better than anything the MCU will ever make. Period. But
Alien is one of the greatest sci-fi films ever made. You set yourself up to fail with that comparison.