Film Studies: Auteur Theory

Introduction

Focus on the Auteur Theory in film studies.
Relevant for EDUCAST A-level film studies.
Highlights the importance of directors in film discussions (film posters, box sets, film seasons).
Key Point: Auteur theory is one of many ways to study films.

Francois Truffaut:
- Originator of the theory.
- Criticized "metteurs en scène" directors who lacked individuality.
- Advocated for directors as "auteurs" (authors with personal style).
- Believed directors should have creative control, akin to novelists.
- Emphasized the director's personal expression as art.
Cahiers du Cinéma:
- French magazine influential in promoting film as an art form.

Andrew Sarris:
- Expanded on Truffaut's ideas.
- Introduced a framework: three criteria (technical competence, distinguishable personality, interior meaning).
- Noted for American interpretations of auteur theory.

Technical Competence:
- Directors must be skilled in film-making basics.
Distinguishable Personality:
- Recurring motifs or themes in a director's work.
- Example: Wes Anderson's stylistic trademarks.
Interior Meaning:
- Tension between director's personality and source material.

Peter Wollen:
- Authored "Signs and Meaning," categorizing directors by influence.
- Introduced the "pantheon" of ultimate auteurs.

Pauline Kael:
- Critiqued Sarris's framework in "Circles and Squares."
- Argued technical competence can lead to bland films.
- Repetition of style seen as negative, can hinder development.
- Believed in harmonious collaboration between director and source material.
Collaboration Critique:
- Film is collaborative; focusing solely on directors ignores contributions of others (writers, cinematographers, actors).
Diversity Critique:
- Highlighted the lack of diversity (gender and race) in recognized auteurs.
- Disparity evident in awards like the Oscars.