Auteur Theory Flashcards
What is auteur theory? /4
director as an author
“prmary creativ force behind a film”
originated from the Cahiers du Cinema
individual style upon application
What is the Cahiers du Cinema? /5
started by Andre Bazin
France 1951
magazine/journal that reviews and analysis of films
writes about films as art NOT entertainment, including Hollywood films
context includes WWII censorship and rediscovery of Hollywood films in France
Who did Cahiers du Cinema praise highly? /2
Alfred Hitchcock
highly overlooked
What is la politique des auteurs?` /2
certain directors are “auteurs” and others are not
it is poosible to rank directors
What is Francois Truffaut’s connection to the Auteur Theory? /2
critique of French
directors who are unoriginal (not auteurs)
mostly made films from books
What are the 3 princicples of auteur theory? /3
tehncially competent
personality that comes through in the style of the film
tension between the auteur’s personality and their material
What is the principle of technically competent? /4
properly understands film techniques
cinematography
editing
sound
What is the princinple of personality that comes through in the style of the film? /2
signature style
directors expressing themselves through their films
What is the principle of tension between the auteur’s personality and their material?
interior meaning
choice of form and the content
Who is Alfred Hitchcock? /6
british director
1899 - 1980
made films in England and Hollywood
directed around 50 films
known as the “Master of Suspense”, psychological thrillers
re-evaluated as an artist/auteur thanks to Cahiers du Cinema
