The Auteur Theory

Auteur Theory
To be dubbed an auteur, a film-maker must have a portfolio of work which can be analyzed for constant themes and considerations, whether they occur intentionally or unintentionally. One example would be the theme in Steven Spielberg’s work. In addition to this, an auteur must have a differentiating style, almost instantly recognisable.
The most common examples given to represent the auteur theory are Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick.


Case Study: Tim Burton

One example of a director that could be considered an auteur, Tim Burton’s films have a very distinct style, and he often deals with similar themes in his work. In general, the lead character is separated from society in some way – a misfit. In the character of Edward Scissorhands, this idea is taken to the very extreme: the main character cannot even touch another person. Other examples of this character type include Batman, Beetlejuice, and to a very certain extent, Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Burton’s movies also have a distinct style, generally giving off a gothic feel. In addition, Burton is known for using stop-motion animation in his films, the prime examples being The Nightmare Before Christmas and Corpse Bride. He is also known for reusing actors and actresses, such as Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Danny Elfman often produces the music for the movies.


Michael Bay started off his career working at ‘Propaganda Films’ where he would direct commercials and music video. Bay's success in music videos gained the attention of producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson, who selected him to direct his first feature-length film, Bad Boys. The film was shot in Miami in 1994 and starred Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. The action film proved to be a break-out role for Smith, who was segueing from television to films at that time.The film was completed for $19 million dollars and grossed a remarkable $141 million at the box office in the summer of 1995. Bay's success led to a strong partnership and friendship with Jerry Bruckheimer.

• "Soldier of Love" by Donny Osmond (1989) (director)
• "Angelia" by Richard Marx (1989) (director)
• "I'll Be Holding On" by Greg Allman (1989) (director) ... from the film Black Rain
• "I Love You" by Vanilla Ice (1991) (director)
• "I Touch Myself" by Divinyls (1991) (director)
• "Love Thing" by Tina Turner (1992) (director)
• "Do It to Me" by Lionel Ritchie (1992) (director)
• "You Won't See Me Cry" by Wilson Phillips (1992) (director)
• "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)" by Meat Loaf (1993) (director)
• "Rock and Roll Dreams Come Through" by Meat Loaf (1994) (director)
• "Objects in the Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are" by Meat Loaf (1994) (director)
• "Falling in Love (Is Hard on the Knees)" by Aerosmith (1997) (director)
• "There You'll Be" by Faith Hill (2001) (director) ... Theme from Pearl Harbor
Michael Bay is now a successful and very well known director in Hollywood. He has directed action blockbusters such as the Transformers series, The Island and the Bad Boys series. I have noticed that Bay's style of directing music videos were very similar. He likes to use a lot of slow motion to capture emotion or a relevant piece of action. This makes the effect more heart felt and has more of an impact upon the audience. An example of this is 'There You'll Be' by Faith Hill, emotional response was inevitable within this because there a few scenes from the award winning film Pearl Harbor. The use of zooming in and out portrays beauty and also making the viewers feel as though they are part of the scene. Performance wise, there is use of a smoke and wind machine, to enhance the way the artist feels towards the lyrics. This is also used in 'Angelia' by Richard Marx. A lot of these techniques are still used in Michael Bay's directing style today.


This has influenced me to find my own directing style and hopefully make a distinctive music video.

Lyrics to chosen song

Xaviera – I Gotta Know


VERSE 1
I gotta know…
The silly games you play are tearing me apart,
One minute you’re in love the next minute you’re not,
Say you’re ready to settle down, but you’re never around.
Boy if you want my love, I’ve got to know right now.
CHROUS
I wanna know (do you still want me)
I gotta know (do you still love me)
I gotta know (am I everything you need) Am I everything you need!
(Do you still want me) I gotta know
(Do you still love me ) I gotta know (Am I everything you need) ooohh yeah.
VERSE 2
So hard to love you when you keep me so confused,
You make me feel so good then leave me feeling used.
I, I know I don’t deserve this pain and all this hurt,
I’ve gotta know right now if you want this to work.
CHORUS
I gotta know (do you still want me)
I gotta know (do you still love me)
I gotta know (am I everything you need) x2
BRIDGE
I prayed you get on bended knee and say you’d spend your life with me,
No more cruel and stupid games, ‘cause my heart cant stand the pain.
If you’re only gonna play, then I rather you walk away,
But if you want our love to grow and tell me so.
CHORUS
I gotta know (do you still want me)
I gotta know (do you still love me)
I gotta know (am I everything you need) Am I everything you need!
(Do you still want me) I got to know!
(Do you still love me) I gotta know, no, no, no, no. (am I everything you need)
Do you still want me? (do you still want me)
Do you still love me? (do you still love me)
I gotta know, no, no (am I everything you need) do you still need me?
Show me, oooohhh tell me, I wanna feel, like I’m everything you need.
I gotta know…

The overall message of the song is about how a young girl is going through an on/off relationship, with someone she is completely in love with. However, the other partner is not sure about how deep into this relationship he is in, he hasn't yet and won't confess how he feels about this female (Xaviera). The continuos use of the words "I gotta know" represent how desperate and anxious the protagonist is feeling, there are questions involved within the lyrics to clearly speak Xaviera's mind, such as "do you still love me? Do you still want me?"
The lyrics connote that time seems to be running out and there is this vital need to know where the relatioinship stands. The slow paced beat and ongoing vocals promote pain, hurt, and confusion; this also helps to keep that feeling of desperation ongoing. The bridge sings "I pray you get on bended knee, and you'd spend your life with me" shows that maybe the protagonist isn't just looking for true love, but also a future with this person e.g. marriage, children, a home together etc. Considering that the artist who wrote this song is at the mature stage of starting a family, maybe that is the one thing she is looking for by singing this song.
the connotion of the song has shown me that the main concept in this video should be performance, the lyrics speak out to a large number of people and express such deep emotions, this should be testified by the actor. I am hoping to use a small narrative but emotion should be a constant back-bone throughout the music video.

Music Video Ideas - Areas

Recently I have been thinking about areas and places in which I can film my music video. I havent thought much about the storyline, however, I have decided to take priority in the sort of background I will be filming in because that is where the visuals really work in. My first choice is to film in Central London, amongst the tourist attractions such as Tower Bridge, London Eye and Big Ben. Around the focal points, I can have the actor miming the song, along with good editing such as fade in and outs, and cuts that apply to the beat of the track.

I was thinking of doing most of my filming during the daytime when it is light, however, during some emotional parts of the song such as the middle 8, I would like to film in the night time. Reson being, that along with the wintery weather, and gorgeous lights of London City, the visuals will suit the lyrics more.
There is a particular scene I would like to film that involves the female actress hawving an argument with a boy. However, the way it will be filmed will be from the male's point of view, meaning he will be holding the camera. Therefore, the viewer will never get to see the boys face. This idea was inspired by Will Yong's music video 'Leave Right Now'. Whereby, Will was constantly singing to the camera as if he was talking to someone in front of him.

I am hoping to film this scene in an open forest with lots of scenery and space. That way, the major focus will just be the female actress and the effect the male has on her.

Risk Assessment
 Area of filming: I must make sure that upon filming within central london, I take care as to where I am placing the equipment e.g. not keeping the camera to close to the edge of the bridge where it would have a high risk of falling over. Not only that but I must take personal care as to where I am when filming, nowhere to close to the side of the bridge or in an area that could cause harm to ones self. I or whoever may be helping me film, must where sensible firm grip shoes to prevent an slips that could cause an accident.


 

Research

My search for unsigned music artists is now over and I have chosen to work with Xaviera's song 'I Gotta Know'. As part of my planning, I have decided to analyse a music video of the same genre to my chosen music:

Beyonce

• American R&B artist, actress and fashion designer.

• Number one hits are ‘Crazy In Love’ and ‘Baby’ from her album debut.

• She holds over 9 Grammy Awards.

• The song depicts how Beyonce saw the monster that her boyfriend was hiding behind, that innocent looking face. And she is thankful that things didn’t get more serious with him.

‘Best Thing I Never Had’ Promotional Video

• Beyonce’s characters represent independent women who don’t need a man to make them happy. The lyrics along with her sarcastic edge promote the thin line between making mistakes and making the right choices. However, at the same time she is looking on the bright side of life.

• The editing is kept at an average pace; it is sometimes obtained with the beat of the song. This could relate to the calmness of the artist amongst the situation.

• A lot of light and simplistic colours are used such as white, gold and beige. This could signify elegancy over heartbreak, and a new beginning. The use of Beyonce wearing a wedding dress by the sunset depicts that she has moved on and is happy. It is a ‘in your face’ concept.

• Lyrics such as “you don’t deserve my tears” gives off this message, that she is a better women than that and shouldn’t have to waste time on someone who belongs to her past.

Analysis of CD cover

• She stands out from the simple and unusual backdrop of the shower.

• She looks quite dominating with the strong uphold of her body language, her own reflection in the mirror could signify how she sees herself that way also.

• The use of the lipstick title ‘King B’ signifies rebellion with graffiti but also power. Although Beyonce is a female, she represents herself as a king, which stands for utmost authority amongst everyone.

• The black titles are bold, simplistic and sophisticated.

Analysis of ‘4’ Promotion

• Once again, bold and eye catching yet sophisticated and simplistic titles. Defines her new look back from ’Crazy In Love’ where she used a lot of bright colours and more of an urban feel.

• Both pictures of Beyonce look strong and powerful. However, the top right hand picture shows slight vulnerability judging by her blunt facial expression and hands behind her head. This is a contrast towards the message she is sending out in the song plus her opposing body language.