Bryant University has given me the tools to critically analyze several theories in the communication discipline. However, Bryant is not the only institution where I have studied communication. As a junior, I studied abroad in London’s University of Westminster, where I took a Film Theory: Contemporary Perspectives class. The course explored the theories present in the research conducted by film theorists. Among these theories in film - one of mass communication’s most celebrated mediums - is the Auteur Theory.
The Auteur Theory states that there are some filmmakers who are so unique, recognizable, influential, and involved with the production of their films that makes them considered ”artists” in the realm of cinema. Their signature style of moviemaking has earned them a place in the cinematic history books for people like me to study and learn about.
For our midterm assignment, our class broke up into teams and created visual essays on one of the topics we learned about, and our team focused on the Auteur Theory. The assignment required rigorous research as well as a close examination of dozens of influential films both American and international. We used this information to explain and summarize the theory and even gave our input on the legitimacy of the theory. We used clips from some of these films to help apply and illustrate the theory’s concepts to prove a thorough understanding on both existing research and our own interpretation.
Our visual essay summarized the history of the Auteur Theory, its roots overseas, the key players who established the movement, and the analysis of some of today’s established auteurs (including Oscar-winning writer and director Quentin Tarantino). In the attached video you will see the visual essay for yourself!