Auteur, which is French for author, is a term coined by French film critics. It refers to the idea that some film directors have a certain artistic vision that always carries over into their films, and because of this, it is easier to analyze and understand their films (Pramaggiore and Wallis 451). The idea of the auteur has prevailed since the 1940s (408), and is not only specific to filmmakers who create “higher art.” The French insisted that “even Hollywood directors…could be viewed as artists” (408). One modern example of an auteur is Tim Burton. His directorial style is generally consistent and easily recognizable, and throughout the years, helped him earn a devoted fan base. This style propelled him to fame in mainstream culture, but
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By understanding the typical style of Burton’s films, it becomes easier to understand his message as a filmmaker. One example of Tim Burton’s auteur style is the reoccurring construction of his narrative. His films often depict ridiculous, morbidly funny fantasies told within the context of the real world. This consistent fantastical element of his films works to his advantage because it keeps the same audience coming back for more. For example, in Edward Scissorhands, the protagonist is the creation of a scientist who died before he was complete. Because of this, Edward is left alone to live a life of isolation in his gloomy castle, stuck with scissors for hands. Ironically, this castle is found at the end of a purposely unremarkable, normal neighborhood. The juxtaposition created is almost comical. Suspension of disbelief must be applied, because not only do any of the characters not question why there is a castle in their neighborhood, they also do not show any real concern for the medical implications of Edward’s condition. Additionally, the events of the film are told by an older version of Kim, presumably to her own granddaughter, in a sort of fairy tale-esque bedtime story. Like many fairy tales before it, Burton forsakes …show more content…
The story is grim and gruesome, and yet, in Burton’s trademark style, displays an offputtingly quirky sense of humor and a slight removal from reality, because “in the nineteenth century and after, it is not likely that many city dwellers harbor[ed] a literal fear of being eaten, much less a literal desire to eat others” (Riley 3). Another aspect of auteur theory is the idea that a certain theme will emerge in almost all of a particular director’s films, which again makes it easier to understand and analyze the overall message of the film. One major theme that can be included in the study of Burton as an auteur is his consistent inclusion of the theme of isolationism. His characters “are generally outsiders, misunderstood and misperceived” (Burton and Salisbury xiv). This theme mirrors Burton’s reality, which would explain why it is so prevalent in all of his films. He states, “I remember growing up and feeling that there is not a lot of room for acceptance” (87). This idea became an especially important theme in Edward Scissorhands, as the film is about an outsider being forced into a world not meant for him. Burton explains, “You
By understanding the typical style of Burton’s films, it becomes easier to understand his message as a filmmaker. One example of Tim Burton’s auteur style is the reoccurring construction of his narrative. His films often depict ridiculous, morbidly funny fantasies told within the context of the real world. This consistent fantastical element of his films works to his advantage because it keeps the same audience coming back for more. For example, in Edward Scissorhands, the protagonist is the creation of a scientist who died before he was complete. Because of this, Edward is left alone to live a life of isolation in his gloomy castle, stuck with scissors for hands. Ironically, this castle is found at the end of a purposely unremarkable, normal neighborhood. The juxtaposition created is almost comical. Suspension of disbelief must be applied, because not only do any of the characters not question why there is a castle in their neighborhood, they also do not show any real concern for the medical implications of Edward’s condition. Additionally, the events of the film are told by an older version of Kim, presumably to her own granddaughter, in a sort of fairy tale-esque bedtime story. Like many fairy tales before it, Burton forsakes …show more content…
The story is grim and gruesome, and yet, in Burton’s trademark style, displays an offputtingly quirky sense of humor and a slight removal from reality, because “in the nineteenth century and after, it is not likely that many city dwellers harbor[ed] a literal fear of being eaten, much less a literal desire to eat others” (Riley 3). Another aspect of auteur theory is the idea that a certain theme will emerge in almost all of a particular director’s films, which again makes it easier to understand and analyze the overall message of the film. One major theme that can be included in the study of Burton as an auteur is his consistent inclusion of the theme of isolationism. His characters “are generally outsiders, misunderstood and misperceived” (Burton and Salisbury xiv). This theme mirrors Burton’s reality, which would explain why it is so prevalent in all of his films. He states, “I remember growing up and feeling that there is not a lot of room for acceptance” (87). This idea became an especially important theme in Edward Scissorhands, as the film is about an outsider being forced into a world not meant for him. Burton explains, “You