auteur theory

auteur theory

n.

Belief in the primary creative importance of the director in filmmaking, often combined with a critical advocacy of the works of certain strong, distinctive directors whose films have a consistent theme or style. Also called auteurism.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

auteur′ the`ory

n.

the theory that the director is the chief creator of a film and thereby gives it a distinctive individual style.

[1960–65]

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