A2 Coursework: The Auteur Theory

What is the Auteur Theory?

The auteur theory was introduces in the 1950's by French films Francois Truffaut who advocated a focus on the contribution directors made on a style of film. He quoted: "A true film auteur is someone who brings something genuinely personal to his subjects that is original" 

Auteur is the french word for author, in film and media industry the auteur is the idea the director has created a style within his or her film. The film reflects the directors creative and personal vision as it is brought to life on screen. The director has a distinctive style that features in most the director's films.   


Hitchcock and the Auteur

Alfred Hitchcock is one of the famous names that comes to mind when talking about the auteur theory. He is famously known for his unique and iconic thriller films such as Psycho, Vertigo, Rear Window and many more popular films. Hitchcock storytelling techniques were some thing that were unique and distinctive as he created his own style within his films that made them stand out and have his own creative visions brought to life for an audience to see and enjoy, which is the concept that the auteur theory is trying to define to all film makers and directors. Hitchcock created his own style with his effective use of camera shots, cleaver dialogue, Mise en scene and many other effective filming styles. Instead of the genre making the film good his filming and directing made the genre all the more better.For example one of Hitchcock’s best-known screen moments is the terrifying shower scene in Psycho. This shot features 70 distinct shots in less than 1 minute. The way Alfred Hitchcock has presented his own creative and personal vision into his films that have given him his own style is what makes him a truly famous auteur.