The Maysles Brothers, Albert and David, were influential American documentary filmmakers known for their unique style of direct cinema. They gained prominence in the 1960s with films like Salesman and Gimme Shelter, which captured real-life events and people with minimal interference. Their approach emphasized authenticity and spontaneity, allowing audiences to experience the subjects' lives more intimately. Their work often explored themes of American culture and society, showcasing both the mundane and the extraordinary. The Maysles Brothers' innovative techniques and commitment to realism have left a lasting impact on the documentary genre, inspiring countless filmmakers to adopt similar methods in their storytelling.