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.