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Sarris Notes on the Auteur Theory in 1962
The auteur theory was created specifically for film authorship, which is a vast subject. Authorship mainly seeks to know the true source, also known as the author of a particular work (Jacqui). From the many artworks, authors can be pinpointed. However, due to collaborations made in filmmaking, one may argue over the different roles; for instance, is the author, producer, the editor, or the director? (Jacqui). This essay critically evaluates the key concepts of auteur theory rules by Andrew Sarris and if the concepts can be applied in the modern world.
Basic Competency
According to Andrew Sarris, a great director should at least be a good director (6). This is true because movie directors should be competent technically. One cannot be an auteur if their movies cannot clear some fundamental hurdles (Jacqui).
Signature Style
According to Andrew Sarris, a director should show certain style recurrent characteristics that will serve as their signature (8). This means that an auteur’s work should be recognizable even when one looks at a film’s mere shot (Jacqui). For example, when one looks at a small film shot and realizes that the director is simply Hitchcock. The stylistic tendencies should be recurrent over the body of an auteur’s work (Jacqui).
Interior Meaning
According to Andrew Saris, the interior meaning should be extrapolated from the director’s personality and the material’s tension (10). The innermost soul of the director should come through in the film. This is true since the personality of the director should be seen in the film (Jacqui).
Application in the Modern World
The rules of auteur theory can be applied in the modern world with a few adjustments. For example, the modern-day version of an author’s definition defines them as having five projects at least and of different genres (Jacqui). An author should also employ key collaborators that are varied. Besides, they should also feature a consistent style and world view (Jacqui).
Conclusion
To sum it up, this essay analyses the auteur theory by Sarris. I agree with Sarris’s definition that an auteur should be competent, technically whereby his or her films should clear some fundamental hurdles. They should also show recurrent style characteristics in a number of their works. Besides, the innermost soul of the director should come through in their film. The personality of the director should be clearly displayed in the film.
Works Cited
Sarris, Andrew. “Notes on the’Auteur’Theory in 1962.” Kwartalnik Filmowy 59 (2007): 6-17.
Jacqui, Griffin. “A QUICK GUIDE TO AUTEUR THEORY.” FILM INQUIRY. 2017. https://www.filminquiry.com/quick-guide-auteur-theory/. Accessed on November 20, 2020.