Explain An Auteur Approach

Explain An Auteur Approach 

Auteur theory is the use of the same style, techniques and uniqueness that can be seen as a signature, or trademark, in the films of a director, cinematographer, editor, screenwriter and composer. This could be in the technique of editing, camera angles, lights, mise-en scene, dialogue, the use of the same actors, genre and music, etc. 

Auteur theory originated in France in the early 1940s, for example "Andre Bazin, creator of influential French magazine Cahiers du Cinema began preaching the notion of personalism – the idea that a film should reflect its director’s personal vision" .(coldcoffeepressblog.wordpress.com). This idea was recognised by multiple film critics and filmmakers such as Francois Truffaut. 

Wes Anderson - In most of his work he uses bright vibrant colours and likes to use symmetry to captivate his audience. This adds effect by adding obscure camera angles along with the stunning colours. This is one of  the ways the audience know they are  watching a Wes Anderson film. Other auteur trademarks of Wes Anderson are that he uses the same actors and actresses often, likes to use extremely wide shots, he explores the relationship between a grown and a parent, and has ended all his movies with a slow motion shot. 

Vibrant colours taken from "Marathon Is A Bad Idea"

Wide angle shot from "Moonrise Kingdom"

Anjelica Hudson frequently appears in his films

Alfred Hitchcock- Hitchcock makes a cameo appearance in most of his films, He started to cameo in the start of his films so that the audience would pay attention to the story rather than waiting for him to appear.. Also, another one of his renowned trademarks was to have a blonde actress as the lead. Other trademarks are,he liked to wear and be formally dressed on film sets,.

Hitchcock cameo in "Vertigo"

Ingrid Bergman in "Notorious". Hitchcock liked blonde actresses.

James Stewart in Vertigo. Frequently cast for Hitchcock

Auteur theory has evolved to more areas in filming, for example editing, acting, cinematography, composers and script writers. Thelma Schoonmaker is an example of an auteur editor and she works closely with Martin Scorcese.
 A  cinematographer who may be an auteur is Roger Deakins- 
"Deakins is truly an artist. His talent of cinematography has created such amazing scenes which were simply perfect. The subtle revelations, the steady spiraling zoom, the focus. And his perfection of delivering the scene in just the way it was desired to create the perfect effect makes him one of the busiest and best cinematographer in Hollywood." (indiefilmhustle.com)
A composer who is an auteur is John Williams who is famous for his orchestral style. Examples of this are the scores to Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Lego Batman 3, Superman and Harry Potter.

Thelma Schoonmaker

Roger Deakins

John Williams

One strength of an auteur approach is people may be attracted to a director's style and they are likely to watch more of his work. Another strength is that a director can influence the style of the film, but he would need the respect of the studios.

"If the director did not have the respect from the studios and Hollywood then he would not be able to be as creative a he wishes" (lukebaileymedia.wordpress.com)

One weakness of an auteur approach not all the crew, and the cast, get the credit,because the audience may be focused on the director's style Another weakness is that people may judge a director by one film, and might not want to watch any other films that he makes. Overall, there are strengths and weaknesses to auterism but there will always be auteurs. 


References/Bibliography

Press, V. (2020). The History and Evolution of Auteur Theory. [online] Cold Coffee Press. Available at: https://coldcoffeepressblog.wordpress.com/2017/05/07/the-history-and-evolution-of-auteur-theory/ [Accessed 28 Jan. 2020].

Indie Film Hustle®. (2020). Roger Deakins: Breaking Down the Master Cinematographer - IFH. [online] Available at: https://indiefilmhustle.com/roger-deakins-cinematographer/ [Accessed 10 Feb. 2020].

Luke Bailey. (2020). Auteur Theory – Advantages and Disadvantages. [online] Available at: https://lukebaileymedia.wordpress.com/2016/11/02/auteur-theory-advantages-and-disadvantages/ [Accessed 11 Feb. 2020].