Specialist Study Area: Auteur Theory

Francois Truffaut Auteur Theory

Francois Truffaut Auteur Theory

Argued that the director has the sole focus of the film, has complete control over the film

Andrew Sarris’ three premises of Auteur Theory

1. Technical Competence

2. Distinguishable Personality

3. Interior meaning

Pauline Kael

Anti- auteur theory, film is a collaboration.

Hitchcock Signature

• Thriller genre

• master of suspense

• Cameo appearences

Hitchcock Technical competence

• Dolly zoom (pioneered by Irmin Roberts)

Hitchcock auteur themes

• Visual expressionism

• taboo / sexuality

• fetishism of blonde women

• mistrust of authority

• Parenting / mothers

Scott signature

• sci fi genre

• drawn out narrative

• detailed sets

• sketches detailed storyboards

Scott technical competence

• use of practical effects

scott themes

• Military / police, use of Rank system

• Corporate capitalism

• Technology

• Fear / survival

• strong female characters