Notes on Auteur Theory

Auteur Theory

     

Having read both Sarris’ and Wollen’s articles on the auteur theory I question whether the theory actually exists. This theory was developed by a group of French critics who were looking at great American Hollywood films., but has become muddled over time. They felt that a small upper crust group of directors were “auteurs” -  they were directors that were technically competent and had a recurrent sense of style, which was their signature. Wollen talks in great length about Howard Hawks as auteur.  Hawks was famous for two types of films – adventure drama and crazy comedy. I have only seen one of his films in this class – The Big Sleep – and no others so I can’t comment on his recurrent skills or style. I have seen several Alfred Hitchcock films, including two in this class – Rear Window and North by Northwest – and I strongly think that if anyone is an auteur it is Hitchcock. He satisfies all three premises of auteur theory that Sarris talks about. First, Hitchcock has technical competence. Second, he has a distinguishable personality and signature style. Third is the meaning of the cinema as art. After studying only two of Hitchcock’s films I feel confident that he was definitely a great director, producer, and an auteur if anyone can be called one.