In Week 4, we explored the concept of Politique Des Auteurs, widely known as Auteur Theory, which originated from the influential French film journal Cahiers du Cinéma. This theory grew from a belief that American cinema deserved serious academic attention, challenging the idea that only a select group of elite directors could produce cinematic masterpieces. Instead, it emphasized recognizing the work of many filmmakers who had been overlooked in traditional evaluations of film artistry.
Andrew Sarris
One key figure in shaping the Auteur Theory was Andrew Sarris. His 1962 essay, Notes on the Auteur Theory, clarified the concept of auteurship, especially in the face of skepticism from American screenwriters and other film collaborators of the 1950s and 60s.
Pauline Kael
Pauline argued that Auteur Theory often overvalued directors who relied on predictable or uninspired techniques. Kael critiqued the way auteurists, including Sarris, sometimes romanticized directors’ work as cohesive artistic statements, often overlooking the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Her sharp critique highlighted the limitations of viewing cinema solely through the lens of the director’s vision.
Modes of Auteurism
Moving beyond the traditional, romanticized view of the singular “artist,” modern auteurism recognizes the contributions of various creative forces in filmmaking. This broader perspective allows us to identify auteurs not just among directors but also within other roles, including screenwriters, producers, and even corporations or creative collectives. Such a shift modernizes auteur theory, acknowledging the diverse ways cinema is shaped.
Paul Wells
Paul Wells offered unique insights into auteurism within the context of animation. Unlike live-action films, animation presents a paradox: it often involves large-scale production processes similar to Hollywood, but it can also allow creators to work independently. This duality makes animation one of the most auteur-driven art forms. Even in collaborative animation projects, the personal vision and creative style of individual artists shine through, underscoring the medium’s capacity to emphasize the creator’s personal touch.