Auteur Theory

The Auteur theory is one of the most controversial in film and has been discussed widley since it emerged in the 1950's. French filmmaker François Truffaut is responsible for bringing the theory in to mainstream film criticism and as a result, the theory is closely associated with French New Wave cinema.  

The theory aruges that (with certain directors) a film reflects the filmmakers creative vision as if they were the 'author' of the film.

As we know films go through a long production proccess during which time many different people contribute different ideas to the project. From a script writter, costume designer, actors and the director - they all contribute to the final film.

However some directors are able to imprint their own distinctive personality on to a film and make the film their own. The work of an auteur will usually contains many reoccuring themes and stylistic conventions, for example:

Alfred Hitchcock is considered the greatsest filmmaker of all time and is most certainly an Auteur director.

His films contains many reoccurring themes such as:

  • The cold blonde
  • Fear / hatred of Police
  • An 'everyman' thrown in to an extra-oridanry scenario
  • Punishment of Women
  • Male characters with severe psychological problems
Hitchcock's films present a clear insight in to his personaility, in particular his relationship with his wife and female co-stars.

Read the Alfred Hithcock: Autuer Case Study SlideShow below for a more detailed analysis of the theory.


Vert 12 - Auteur
Theories of Authorship - John Caughie

The following extracts give excellent insight in to the auteur theory and should be used by any students studying 'Auteur Theory' for their FM3 - Research Project. (The book is available in class)

Theories of authorship part 1
Theories of authorship part 2 andrew sarris
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