Auteur Theory - Andrew Sarris

Sarris explains that there is no set definition in the English language for the Auteur Theory. However, he agrees with Truffaut who says that the auteur theory was simply a polemical weapon for a given time and place. However, he questions how the auteur theory differs from a straightforward theory of directors. The auteur theory does not claim the gift of prophecy nor does it claim the option of extra cinematic perception. Sarris acknowledges the fact directors, including auteurs, do not always follow true form. Essentially, Sarris is saying that you can't assume that a "bad" director will always make a bad film. Their skills as a director and the outcome of their film may vary. Sarris says the problem with this is that the badness is not necessarily considered the badness of a film. Despite the fact that the auteur theory emphasizes the the body of a director's work and not isolated masterpieces, it is expected that great directors produce great films. However, this is not always the case. It is interesting to think about because I always expect the directors I love and know to always produce movies that I love. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. The auteur theory would look at the overall body of the directors work rather than their occasional bad/good film.