How Does a Film Meet Auteur Theory and What Does This Mean?
It is well-known that a film is the product of a screenplay written by a screenwriter. And then subsequently produced through the eyes of the Director. Few would argue that filmmaking is the result of a group of creators and the collaboration of many different artistic inputs. But Auteur theory argues to this point stating that the Director is the author of the film, not the screenwriter. Thus Auteur theory goes on to argue that it’s the Director’s artistic vision that is responsible for the outcome of the film. And not necessarily the screenwriter’s work or the collaboration of others. So, how does a film meet Auteur theory, exactly?
And, what does Auteur theory mean for the filmmaker?
What is Auteur Theory?
Auteur theory represents a unique filmmaking theory in which it is said that the Director is the primary creative force behind the film and is therefore also considered the “author” of the film rather than the screenwriter.
Auteur theory originated in the 1940s in France. Following the outgrowing of theories that were introduced by Andre Bazin and Alexandre Astruc. Initially we saw the “New Wave” theory which essentially recognized the director as the author of a film give rise in 1951.
And then additional theories of similar nature were brought forth by theoreticians Francois Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard. Which would go on to be called the “French New Wave.”
Director’s Discretion
Auteur theory is a derivative of Astruc’s concept of camera-style or “camera-pen”. Which essentially states that the individual responsible for the oversight of all audio-visual elements of a film.
Which is the Director, who shall be considered the author of the film over the screenwriter who simply wrote the story.
Auteur theory essentially states that a film’s authorship is the result of the various fundamental visual elements. Such as the camera placement and movement. As well as the specific decisions made in regards to lighting, blocking and sound. As opposed to the original writing of the script.
Therefore, the Director is not only the author of the film. But also that successful films bear the stamp or unmistakable features of a Director’s professional input over any other elements of the film.
Why is Auteur Theory Important in Filmmaking?
As we look to answer the question, “How does a film meet auteur theory?” It’s important to cover details about Auteur theory which are important to filmmaking. Auteur theory argues that it is the Director that is responsible for the success of a film.
And that the director’s artistic vision can be found as an underlying feature of any film that the particular director is involved in as their “stamp.”
Director’s Stamp
Auteur theory argues that any movie produced by a particular Director will have recurring themes, features, or elements of past films produced by that same Director.
Thus this “stamp” will inform any audience that a particular Director was behind the film. Just as any book written by a particular author can be recognized by certain features or underlying elements that are closely connected to the particular author.
This consistency in artistic identity between films is why Auteur theory denotes the Director to be the film’s true author.
In Summary
It is concluded that Directors leave a distinct imprint of their own personality in the films that they are behind. So, how does a film meet Auteur theory?
Each film has the stamp of the Director that is the “author” of the film. And has input their own style into the production through visual elements that are recognized throughout each film that the Director authors.