1. Auteur approach Flashcards
What is the auteur approach?
The auteur approach emphasizes that films should be made by filmmakers with a creative vision, allowing directors to control the production and express personal statements through their work.
Who originated the auteur approach?
Francois Truffaut in his 1954 essay argued that French cinema lacked artistic merit and originality due to reliance on adaptations and a focus on business.
What is ‘Politique des Auteurs’?
‘Politique des Auteurs’ is a concept by Truffaut and Bazin suggesting that films should reflect the director’s vision and be personal statements.
What does ‘Le camera stylo’ mean?
‘Le camera stylo’ suggests that the camera is a tool for the artist, akin to a writer’s pen, used to create and express ideas.
What does Andrew Sarris propose in ‘Notes on the Auteur Theory’?
Sarris proposes that a director’s personality should be distinguishable across their body of work, exhibiting a signature style.
How does Hitchcock’s signature appear in Vertigo?
Hitchcock’s signature is evident in his use of subjective camera, close-ups, high angles, long takes, and expressive montage sequences.
What is the significance of the opening sequence in Vertigo?
The opening sequence uses close-ups and high angles to build suspense and establish character context, particularly Scottie’s fear of heights.
What technique does Hitchcock use to convey Scottie’s vertigo?
Hitchcock employs a dolly zoom, where the camera dollies in while zooming out, to visually communicate Scottie’s vertigo.
How does Hitchcock build suspense in Psycho?
Suspense is built through intense music and dialogue that highlight the repercussions of Marian leaving.
How does Hitchcock create subjective viewpoints in Psycho?
Hitchcock cuts between Marian’s perspective while driving and the male gaze from Norman’s viewpoint, emphasizing tension.
What visual motifs are present in Vertigo?
Visual motifs in Vertigo include spirals, which provoke dizziness and reflect Scottie’s descent, and mirrors, which create duality within characters.
What do spirals symbolize in Vertigo?
Spirals symbolize dizziness and the inevitability of Scottie’s descent, as well as a cyclical narrative structure.
What do mirrors represent in Vertigo?
Mirrors create duality within characters and can foreshadow their true nature, as seen with Madeleine and Elster.
