Amy Wright
FILM STUDY ESSAY
Film Study Essay – Christopher Nolan
Amy Wright
Topic:
What is Auteur Theory and Why Is It Important?
Auteur Theory is a way of looking at films that state that the director is the
“author” of a film. The Auteur theory argues that a film is a reflection of the
director’s artistic vision; so, a movie directed by a given filmmaker will have
recognizable, recurring themes and visual cues that inform the audience who
the director is (think a Hitchcock or Tarantino film) and shows a consistent
artistic identity throughout that director’s filmography.
In an essay argue whether Christopher Nolan can be described as an “auteur”
filmmaker. Consider specific elements of Nolan’s style along with reference to
his use of conventional film techniques.
Christopher Nolan proves himself as an “auteur” filmmaker as his films can be
distinguished by his use of recurring themes, recognizable cinematography, such as
angles and camera placement, composition, lighting, and sound elements. In
addition to this, his presence as filmmaker can certainly be felt within all his films.
A main aspect of the “auteur” theory is that the “auteur” explores common themes
throughout their films. Nolan does this as his films explore human morality, time,
identity, and truth. These themes can be seen in films such as The Dark Knight
where identity is explored through the character of Bruce Wayne and Batman. In
addition to this, human morality is explored through the Joker and the choices he
forces other characters to make. The same themes are explored in his other films
such as Memento and Inception. This represents how Christopher Nolan explores
common themes throughout his films which is a trait of an “auteur” filmmaker.
Another recognizable element of Nolan’s filmmaking is his cinematography,
especially the use of camera angles and placement to enhance his films. Nolan tries
to align the audience with the characters’ point of view, by using over-the-shoulder
shots. In addition to this, Nolan often uses handheld cameras which makes the
audience feel as though they are amongst the actors, which can result in more
intense acting, and can make the action seem more immediate. The composition or
Mise-en-scene of Nolan’s film is distinguishable as he often makes use of a
mathematical approach, aligned with the rule of thirds, and uses lines to direct focus.
These aspects can be seen heavily in The Dark Knight, for instance in the “Batcave”.
1
FILM STUDY ESSAY
Film Study Essay – Christopher Nolan
Amy Wright
Topic:
What is Auteur Theory and Why Is It Important?
Auteur Theory is a way of looking at films that state that the director is the
“author” of a film. The Auteur theory argues that a film is a reflection of the
director’s artistic vision; so, a movie directed by a given filmmaker will have
recognizable, recurring themes and visual cues that inform the audience who
the director is (think a Hitchcock or Tarantino film) and shows a consistent
artistic identity throughout that director’s filmography.
In an essay argue whether Christopher Nolan can be described as an “auteur”
filmmaker. Consider specific elements of Nolan’s style along with reference to
his use of conventional film techniques.
Christopher Nolan proves himself as an “auteur” filmmaker as his films can be
distinguished by his use of recurring themes, recognizable cinematography, such as
angles and camera placement, composition, lighting, and sound elements. In
addition to this, his presence as filmmaker can certainly be felt within all his films.
A main aspect of the “auteur” theory is that the “auteur” explores common themes
throughout their films. Nolan does this as his films explore human morality, time,
identity, and truth. These themes can be seen in films such as The Dark Knight
where identity is explored through the character of Bruce Wayne and Batman. In
addition to this, human morality is explored through the Joker and the choices he
forces other characters to make. The same themes are explored in his other films
such as Memento and Inception. This represents how Christopher Nolan explores
common themes throughout his films which is a trait of an “auteur” filmmaker.
Another recognizable element of Nolan’s filmmaking is his cinematography,
especially the use of camera angles and placement to enhance his films. Nolan tries
to align the audience with the characters’ point of view, by using over-the-shoulder
shots. In addition to this, Nolan often uses handheld cameras which makes the
audience feel as though they are amongst the actors, which can result in more
intense acting, and can make the action seem more immediate. The composition or
Mise-en-scene of Nolan’s film is distinguishable as he often makes use of a
mathematical approach, aligned with the rule of thirds, and uses lines to direct focus.
These aspects can be seen heavily in The Dark Knight, for instance in the “Batcave”.
1
