Glossary Of Film Terms

Abstract

auteur (or auteur theory): Literally, the French word for “author.” Used in film criticism, the term attributes personal vision, identifiable style, thematic aspects, and techniques of the film to its director (auteur), rather than to the collaborative efforts of all involved. It was introduced in the 1950s by Francois Truffaut and the editors of the celebrated French film journal Cahiers du Cinéma.