Auteur theory
In his 1954 essay "Une certaine tendance du cinéma français" ("A certain tendency in French cinema"), François Truffaut coined the phrase "la politique des Auteurs"
At first glance, auteur theory is deceptively simple; its basic premise is that a movie director, in certain circumstances, can be assigned the title of 'author'. Sadly, it is far more complex than that. It can perhaps be best explained by US film critic and leading proponent of the theory, Andrew Sarris:
The strong director imposes his own personality on a film; the weak director allows the personalities of others to run rampant.
So who is an auteur, and how might they be recognised from a 'normal' film director?
Case Study: Tim Burton
One example of a director that could be considered an auteur, Tim Burton's films have a very distinct style, and he often deals with similar themes in his work.
In general, the lead character is separated from the norm of society in some way - a misfit. In the character of Edward Scissorhands, this idea is taken to the very extreme: the main character cannot even touch another person.
Other examples of this character type include Batman, Beetlejuice, and to a certain extent, Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Burton's movies also have a distinct style, generally sporting a very Gothic feel. In addition, Burton is known for using stop-motion animation in his films, the prime examples being The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride.
He is also known for reusing actors and actresses, in particular Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Danny Elfman regularly provides the right music for the soundtrack.
Tim Burton has directed many movies, each of which can be examined and compared for similar styles and recurring themes.
Task 1: Apply Auteur Theory to a director of your own choice. Preferably to inform your Research Investigation.
In general, the lead character is separated from the norm of society in some way - a misfit. In the character of Edward Scissorhands, this idea is taken to the very extreme: the main character cannot even touch another person.
Other examples of this character type include Batman, Beetlejuice, and to a certain extent, Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Burton's movies also have a distinct style, generally sporting a very Gothic feel. In addition, Burton is known for using stop-motion animation in his films, the prime examples being The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride.
He is also known for reusing actors and actresses, in particular Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Danny Elfman regularly provides the right music for the soundtrack.
Tim Burton has directed many movies, each of which can be examined and compared for similar styles and recurring themes.
Task 1: Apply Auteur Theory to a director of your own choice. Preferably to inform your Research Investigation.
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