Teaching Auteur Study

Auteur study is a key element of Film Studies, and has become increasingly important in Media Studies, thanks to the popularity of cult auteurs such as Tarantino and Fincher. However, this theoretical aspect of film can seem obscure and difficult to communicate. Teaching Auteur Study provides a coherent and clear approach to the topic. Using examples throughout, the guide outlines the main elements of Auteur theory, provides an overview of how it developed, summarising some of its main proponents, and considers the influence it has had in the way we think about film. It summarises the criteria for defining a filmmaker as an auteur and explores issues of creative control. The guide also looks at the idea of film authorship from the point of view of the audience, and how it influences audience expectations and marketing campaigns.