The Auteur Theory David Lynch Theoretical models of film analysis The Auteur Theory David Lynch Tomala White Film Studies Faustina Starrett

Introduction The following presentation will review the auteur theory and a special subject of investigation - David Lynch. “if not one of the greatest Auteurists then at least one of the most original” David Lynch, director of cult classic films such as Eraserhead, Dune and Blue Velvet. Notable television series include Twin Peaks and On the Air.

The Auteur Theory Articulated in the 1950s by French film critics, the Auteur Theory describes the mark of a film director in terms of: thematic or stylistic consistencies, personal aesthetic vision, recurring themes, established technique, a defined view of the world and a significant degree of control over production. The works of an auteur director are stamped by the personality and unique artistic vision of its creator, and are recognisable and distinctive. In auteur films, it is the director who controls the artistic statement, takes credit for the film and is responsible for attracting the audience. (Tripod, 2017)

The Auteur Theory However... A 1948 article, by Alexandre Astruc in the film magazine Cahiers du Cinema, about the Auteur Theory sparked much criticism. such as the fact that any production, no matter how small, is a collaborative effort, and to raise the director as the sole role of importance, was to belittle to contribution of those serving other key roles, such as the cinematographer, actors etc.

The Auteur Theory In 1962 , Andrew Sarris published “Notes on the Auteur Theory in 1962”. In these he demanded a more detailed explanation of auteur theory. He proposed the three premise on how to spot an auteur. “the technical competence of a director as a criterion of value”. “the distinguishable personality of the director as a criterion of value. … a director must exhibit certain … characteristics of style, which serve as his signature.” “Interior meaning is extrapolated from the tension between a directors personality and his material. This conception of interior meaning comes close to what Astruc defines as mise-en-scene, but not quite.” He is most notated for saying that “a great director must at least be a good director”. This point brings us back to the question originally asked “What is auteur theory?” Also this point most blatantly shows us what the core of Auteur theory is. This premise is vaguely ambiguous and ineffable. It is a combination of this and the second point that is referred to as “Lynchian”.

David Lynch David Lynch originally trained to be an artist after studying in Philadelphia, and then travelling to Europe for a planned visit of 3 years, of which he spent 15 days. He started to transform his art into moving images.

David Lynch Lynch’s most recurrent points in his films include; Small town USA setting & location Low/middle frequency noise Dark and rotting environments Distorted characters Polarization of characters (e.g. Madonna's vs. Whores) Physical damage to the skull or brain Dreams to connect the plot Close up shots of eyes.

Timeline Short Films Feature Films Short Films Six Men Getting Sick 1967 The Alphabet 1968 The Grandmother 1970 The Amputee 1974 The Cowboy and the Frenchman 1989 Industrial Symphony No. 1 1989 Premonitions Following an Evil Deed 1996 Short Films Eraserhead 1977 Dune 1984 Blue Velvet 1986 Wild at Heart 1990 Twin Peaks: Fire walk with me 1992 Lost Highway 1997 The Straight Story 1999 Mullholland Drive 2001 Feature Films

Themes Lynch relates realism and surrealism mixing them together throughout his films, he is noted for saying “life isn't un-complicated … why should films be?” this is why he layers the meanings in his work. He relates surrealism in Eraserhead with Death hiding behind his radiator, Henry sleeping with the next door neighbour on a bed of milk, cutting the chicken wile it bleeds and squirms on the table. This can be seen that in Henrys world he is in complete control and that it has been created solely for him. This is also common during the dream sequences. Lynch does this thematically and visually...

Themes A comparison between two of Lynch’s cult films, Erasorhead and Dune, will indicate theme recurrence. Erasorhead Dune At the beginning of Eraserhead we see a worm emerging from Henrys mouth, Dune shows large phallic worms. In Eraserhead Henrys worm is drowned as is the case in Dune. At the beginning of Eraserhead Henry is submerged in a dream sequence as is Paul in Dune.

David Lynch Lynch’s bizarre and surrealistic tendencies found in his work, finds cult film following . “Over and over, Lynch’s work has found admiration in idiosyncratic niches of the public that have fostered his fame and distinction as a cult director.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 2017

Conclusion In conclusion, I support the auteur theory. Supporters of the auteur theory further contend that the most cinematically successful films bear the unmistakable personal stamp of the director. In other words, such fundamental visual elements as camera placement, blocking, lighting, and scene length, rather than plot line, convey the message of the film (Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 2017). The work of David Lynch supports the auteur theory as he is no doubt a film auteur.

References Tripod (2017) Alfred Hitchcock: Auteur? [Online] Available from: http://gillonj.tripod.com/alfredhitchcock/ [Accessed on: 03/04/17]. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. (2017) 10 Filmmakers of Cult Status [Online] Available from: https://www.britannica.com/list/10-filmmakers-of-cult-status [Accessed on: 03/04/17]. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. (2017) The Auteur Theory [Online] Available from: https://www.britannica.com/art/auteur-theory [Accessed on: 03/04/17]. The films of David Lynch – John Alexander A cinema without walls – Timothy Corrigan The complete David Lynch – David Hughes Weirdsville USA: the obsessive universe of David Lynch – Paul Woods