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Director and Auteur Theory
Brittany Buckley
The University of Arizona Global Campus
ENG 225: Introduction to Film
Daniel Burrello
10/23/23
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Director and Auteur Theory
Vincente Minnelli, a famous stagehand and director once said “Somebody said if you
give a script to five different famous directors, you'd get five different pictures. And I believe
that.” (Goodykoontz et al., 2023). The Auteur Theory, popularized in France in the 1950s, views
the director as the primary author of a film, with influential producers or screenwriters also
considered auteur filmmakers. This theory acknowledges that directors have their own style,
personality, and approach to filmmaking, reflecting the unique characteristics of each individual.
The French word "auteur" translates to "author," highlighting the importance of auteurism in film
criticism. When applied to film directing, auteur theory posits that the director is indeed the
author of the film, imprinting it with her or his personal vision.” (Goodykoontz et.al., 2023). This
paper will explore the auteur theory and its entails, focusing on Steven Spielberg's work. I will
analyze two films,
The Goonies
(1985) and
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
(1982), to demonstrate how
Spielberg falls into this category. This paper will aim to explain how Spielberg's personality,
consistent themes, and storytelling distinguish him as an auteur director, highlighting his unique
qualities and contributions to the genre.
“Auteur theory is knowing how to define auteur directors. Before auteur theory, Directors were
important, but the other factors were still more significant stars, studios and producers. It shifted
some power away from actors, producers, and studio moguls. It shifted power towards directors.
Towards specific types of directors. And it ultimately led to a kind of director-crisis. We’ll get to
that later. First, let’s define auteur and auteur theory. Auteur Theory is the idea that the director is
the author and primary creative force behind a movie. At first, it seems strange to call the
director of the film the author."(Studiobinder, 2019). The definition of a successful director is
one who is not afraid to fail or be created. Steven Spielberg, known for his numerous successful
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movies, fits this category. One of his favorite films is
The Goonies
, which was made in the 80s,
requiring creative filming due to limited special effects. Both films, like
The Goonies
and
E.T.
the Extra-Terrestria
l, showcased Spielberg's ability to adapt and innovate in the film industry.
Steven Spielberg's films are captivated by his use of different camera angles and lighting,
capturing the actors' expressions and making them come to life. In my first example,
The
Goonies
, he used creative insight to fill in the different angles, creating a suspenseful and
engaging story. With the second film,
E.T. the
Extra-Terrestrial,
he also demonstrated his ability
to create suspenseful and engaging content, making it a must-watch for fans. His ability to create
a suspenseful and engaging experience has made his films a must-watch for many. Spielberg
consistently draws attention to his movies through various techniques, such as lighting and
storytelling, ensuring that the viewer remains engaged throughout the entire film. His unique
approach to each film effectively captures the viewer's attention and keeps them engaged until
the end.
The Goonies
is a unique and captivating exploration of the underground world. The film
explores the characters' journey through underground tunnels, eventually finding gems and living
the life they always wanted. The lighting and ocean setting are impressive, capturing the beauty
of the ocean and beach life. The film begins with a sad story of a family losing their home and
mother's job, but with the help of a treasure map and a pirate's treasure, the family is able to pay
off their bills and live free and clear for the rest of their lives. This ending is considered the best
ending for the movie.
ET the Extra-Terrestrial
tells the story of an alien who meets an Earth human named
Elliott, who becomes his friend and helps him return home. Elliott even helps him call home. The
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movie is lovable and has been a favorite among my kids since they started watching movies. My
favorite part was when Elliott and Elliott rode over the moon to save ET from the government.
Elliott protected ET from harm and did what was best for him in the best way he knew. The
movie captivates its audience, evoking emotions and making them feel part of the story, making
them eagerly anticipate its conclusion.
Technical Competence
Both films directed by Steven Spielberg are excellent, as they captivate the audience and
hold it until the end, as they are known for their captivating storytelling and ability to keep the
audience engaged throughout the film. “Technical competence is Andrew Sarris’s first of three
prerequisites for an auteur: that a director be able to make a competent film” (Goodykoontz et
al., 2023). “Spielberg is a classic auteur - the author of his films, drawing together the many
other creative voices involved in film-making so that one voice is heard” (Clarke, Pg. 16, 2001).
Both films were Classic Hollywood films that are well-known movies from the 80’s. The
Goonies is a captivating film that captivates the audience with its emotional grip and captivating
storyline. The film stands out for its unique approach to filmmaking, particularly the inclusion of
a treasure map, making it an intriguing and captivating film.
“Spielberg reinvents his cinematic identity and proves the cinema's power to illuminate
and bring people together. showcases Spielberg's ability to be restrained in his storytelling and
shows how strong a director of actors he is” (Clarke. 2001). The two movies were directed by the
same director and have comparable themes. The director exhibits a consistent approach to his
work as seen by the fact that he frequently works with the same actors and actresses from
previous films and employs the same editor for every project.
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Distinguishable Personality
Andrew Sarris's second prerequisite for an auteur is a distinct personality that can be seen in all
works, surpassing the contributions of others. Steven Spielberg's unique personality for
filmmaking has made him an award-winning director and a successful filmmaker, showcasing
his unique approach to filmmaking.
“Spielberg’s protagonists are almost always dreamers,
defined by their desire for something different, something more, than they have at present”
(Friedman, 2010). Steven Spielberg is expected to adapt his film-directing style, overcoming
challenges to create the best movies. He effectively captures the audience's emotions, ensuring
they remain engaged and engaged throughout the film.
Interior Meaning
Andrew Sarris's third prerequisite for an auteur is a consistent attitude and vision of the
world, recognizable through the film's content and style. Steven Spielberg used his imagination
to create
The Goonies
and
ET the Extra-Terrestrial
, both family-oriented films. His clear and
precise vision behind these movies is evident in their ability to make people feel and understand,
making them suitable for viewing with families and all age kids. Steven Spielberg is an
exceptional director known for award-winning films. He employs various actors and actresses in
his films, each with their own purpose and storyline to bring the story to life. His approach
ensures that each film's theme is effectively conveyed, making it a captivating experience for
viewers.
Spielberg is a highly regarded Hollywood director known for creating meaningful and
emotionally impactful films. His ability to create a sense of the movie's story and emotional
impact is evident in his work. His audience is eagerly anticipating more of his films, both recent
and forthcoming, to continue his impressive career.
6
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References
Acuña, B. P., & Dominguez, D. C. (2010). Citizen Spielberg: The fragmentation of reality by the
hero. Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences, 2(2), 631–647.
https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&AuthType=shib&db=a9h&AN=67502910&site=eds-
live&scope=site&custid=s8856897
StudioBinder. (2019, September 12). Auteur theory: The definitive guide to the best auteur
directors. StudioBinder; StudioBinder Inc.
https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/auteur-
theory/
(N.d.). Proquest.com. Retrieved October 25, 2023, from
https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/ashford-ebooks/detail.action?docID=3386033
Log on to constellation. (n.d.). Uagc.edu. Retrieved October 25, 2023, from
https://content.uagc.edu/books/Goodykoont.6856.22.1/sections/cover