AUTEUR THEORY:

History:

• Emerged from french film criticism written in the journal Cahiers du Cinema in 1950s

French Auteur Theory:

• Defined themselves against making films based on film scripts written by literary figures
• The tradition of quality advocated a conservative style of film making but the new French directors focused on style instead of script
• They admired directors such as Hitchcock

Hollywood Auteurs:

• 
  

Auteur - developed:

• Not exclusively directors but can include script writers, stars and producers
• They should manifest a consistency of style and them across their films
• Even a particular  studio or production team can constitute a 'collective auteur'

Hitchcock:

• Born in London

Certain themes are found in his films:

• Shared guilt
• Influence of Catholicism
• Homophobia and misogyny

There are also regular narrative techniques:

• Investigation of a murder
• Suspense
• The perfect murder

Elements of stylistic unity:

• Emphasis on editing and montage
• High number of POV shots
• Shooting in confined spaces

Wim Wenders:

• German film maker

Main themes in his films include:

• Influence of North American Culture