Auteur Essay Instructions
One of the “big” conversations of film theory is centered around the idea of the auteur. While some critics agree on a general “cannon” of auteur filmmakers, others argue that auteur is an overused term (in the same vein as “iconic”). Additionally, some argue that supporting the notion of the auteur ignores and devalues the hard work of the entirety of the cast and crew that contribute to a film. Whatever you ultimately believe, you will have a chance with the assignment to make a believer out of your teacher and your class.
You all have chosen an “auteur” to study, but I want us to go a step further. I want you, based on our discussions and your understanding of the term to both make an argument for whether or not “auteur” the word still holds meaning or if it has become overused like “epic” or “iconic,” and then make a determination, based on whether or not you believe in the word and its impact, of whether or not your selected filmmaker actually qualifies for the title.
Minimum Requirements
A five to seven (5-7) page exploration of your chosen filmmaker’s body of work in which you have selected at least three to five (3-5) works of that auteur to explore.
Your exploration must include images (stills from the films you explore), which do not count towards your page count (add them in after).
Your paper must make an argument for whether or not you believe the filmmaker is, in fact, an auteur or if they are not.
Your paper must make an argument for the word auteur and its usage today complete with a definition of your own creation.
Your paper should include analysis of scenes to help prove your point about whether your filmmaker is or is not an auteur.
You must have a works cited page.
You must you MLA formatting.
You must have a unique and interesting title.
You must also have a minimum of seven to ten (7-10) sources—the films you explore do count towards this total. Appropriate sources will come from the source list provided to you or from films only.
We will discuss this assignment more as the semester progresses, but these are the most basic requirements of this assignment and I want you to begin planning and thinking about it now. Watch the films, take notes, be critical, and have fun!
AUTEUR CHOICE: MARTIN SCORSESE (FILMMAKER)
