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Unit 26: Task 1A.Is Jim Jarmusch an Auteur?In this article, I will be discussing whether the director, Jim Jarmusch is, by right, an Auteur. But also, the origins of the “Auteur Theory.” I will choose two of his well known films: Permanent Vacation and Down By Law, and in turn determine whether his key characteristics make him a valuable candidate to be an Auteur.The Auteur Theory dates back to The French New Wave, a revolution in film making (from 1958-1965) Where Directors, and people alike started to think differently about the ways of film, by challenging the way films were shot, angles were made, dialogue and the length of shots. The French were the pioneers in this subject, as Jean-Luc Godard began to make films that did not follow the 3 act structure that dominated, and still does dominate the industry today. In the film “A Bout de Souffle.”, Godard described his film as “As being at the end of old Cinema, destroying all the old principles, rather than creating something new.” And, having watched this film, the context of realism throughout the narrative, shots and overall atmosphere does defiantly show the new era that Goddard intended to create. This also shows the way that Godard aimed, and thought -destroying the old stereotypes of the ways of mainstream, American movies that happened to dominate the time, and putting his own twist as independence. As his natives are non-linear; and do not adorn the 3-act structure that most Hollywood movies have. Because of this new way of thinking, it spurred people to think differently about the ways of film, and opened a new door to the next generation of “Art House movies.”My understanding of the “Auteur Theory” is simply the debate, discussion/theory of who owns the rights (credits) to own a film. Some may argue that it is the script writer that owns the rights, as the ideas for the film has come from the author’s hand, but on the other hand, some argue that the Director, or editor has the rights the film, as they have created the film and developed it’s style for the release. In my opinion, it is a collaborative process of the whole editing team that makes up the movie, however I do agree that it is the Director that gets the credit for the films made. And so the others that have helped on making the film-whether they are well known or not, do not get as much credit as they should do. [Found on the 8th of January, 2015.]Jim Jarmusch, like Godard, thinks along the same lines; his movies intent to make the audience think in a different way to the mainstream ideas of movies. Being one of the main Directors that provokes a lot of controversy for being an Auteur, Jim Jarmusch was a revelation in the film industry. His unique and unorthodox technique pushed him into being one of the most well-known film makers of the 80’s. Working alongside actors like Tom Waits, Jarmusch was known for his slow, dark and often twisted narrative. This, is arguably one of the most important factors to debating whether or not Jarmusch is an Auteur Director, as with the dark and often complicated and confusing narratives; it causes speculation that, without Tom Waits by his side-would Jarmusch be as well known? And would his style be the same? One film made by Jarmusch, A Permanent Vacation, Jarmusch’s first film, shows his dark, twisted tendencies as the storyline is based off a character surrounded by Mental ilness, in a town with no prospect, the whole atmosphere of the film is dark, depressing and sparks some key questions about life in the viewer’s brain. And in some ways, engages the viewer more than that of a normal 3-act film, as Permanent Vacation follows the none-linear structure. Relating back to Jarmusch being an Auteur, in Permanent Vacation, Jarmusch edited, wrote and directed the whole movie, for this movie; Jarmusch would defiantly fit the “Auteur” title, as he souly owns the right to the film. However, compared to the film “Down By Law.” Jarmusch did direct the movie and write, however there were other producers that worked on the film and a lot of other cast and crew that contributed to the film. And, as Jarmusch grew bigger, more and more writers and co-producers helped to produce the movies on a larger scale. As for Genre, Jarmusch does not seem to fit into a specific one, as he can often drift from crime, to drama/thriller. The two films I have already looked at based upon Auteur theory: Permanent Vacation and Down By Law, are two different styles, yet equally they can be similarly linked by their genres. P.V is more of a drama/thriller, as the tones are darker, and it explores, what some audiences may perceive as “disturbing” themes, such as mental illness, war and famine. However, compared to D.B.L, though in black and white, this film is more lighter, and has different characters to uplift the mood, as well as a different structure. Yet, the dark natures of Jarmusch’s characters are still there. In P.V there was not that much use of editing, as the clips are roughly cut, lasting loner than the one’s we see today. There are no use of special effects, however the colour is not full, more de saturated, showing the depth and darkness of the movie, and instantly setting the tone. This also links to the lighting of the movie, as not much lighting is used, yet it doesn’t effect the tone. It is clearly based out on location, and there are no night scenes within the movie. However, the music and sound play more of an important role to that of the film, as the music is disturbing, and dark, linked to certain scenes to make the viewer more uncomfortable, especially in one scene, where the main character, Alloysious walks to his home. Jarmusch adds the sounds of war over the top, making the link to the history of the building, and this clearly upsets the character, which is what the film is ultimately based off. However, compared to the editing of Down By Law, a classic black and white crime film. Jarmusch uses a completely different technique and structure to his film. D.B.L, seems much more older than Permanent Vacation, as it is filmed in black and white, and has the typical stereotype nature of the 8o’s in New Orleans. However, the editing is much more effective, more smooth. Yet you can tell that the camera is not expensive, as some of the shots within the film were still a little off-putting. The lighting, once more, really did not have an effect to the film at all, as it was filmed in black and white-giving the style of film a real old and nostalgic feel. Like P.V Jarmusch leans more on sound and music creating more of an effect, to set the scene and develop the story more. Though D.B.L was based more on narrative, and the progression of the character storyline. To conclude, I believe, now, looking through Jarmusch’s history, and finding out what “Auteur” stands for, I do not believe that there is such thing as one person owing the film, as it is a team effort. Although Jarmuch, in his early days, would account for being an Auteur I would not put him down to be one now. Bibliography.[Down By Law.Athor: IMDBFound the 9th of January, 2015.]Is Tim Burton an Auteur?Tim Burton is arguably one of the most famous Directors of our age; creating some of the most iconic films. Often aligned to the darker sides, Burton creates weird and wonderful animations that appeal to all ages. In this section. I will be discussing whether Tim Burton can be classed as an Auteur, by using an example of two of his well known films; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Alice In Wonderland.Though I have already mentioned what “Auteur Theory” Is; a lot can be said about Tim Burton, and whether he can be classed as an Auteur. Tim Burton is known widely for directing; whether it’s working in partnership with Disney, or creating his own twisted fantasies. Looking through the Director’s past films; there is little to no evidence that supports that he has actually written, produced and directed films. On the major films, such as “Charlie And The Chocolate Factory.” And “Dark Shadows” Different Screen writers, and writers have been deployed to help create his films. Although one film; “Nightmare Before Christmas” he did write, Burton did not in fact direct the movie. In arguments for Burton and the Auteur Theory, this shows; and leans towards the fact that the Auteur theory does not exist, and in Burton’s case; he and his team create the “Burton-style image.” Furthermore, these ideas lead to speculation. If Burton is well more known for using more people as a team, then if you take all that away, and the animations (Such as Corpse Bride) away, would we recognise it as a Burton film? One of the main indications that we, as a viewer recognise as a Tim Burton Film, is that two actors; Jonny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter always play characters within Burton’s films, often playing the lead characters, or supporting roles. But without these two high-known actors, this makes you question whether it would be a Tim Burton film without them? Tim Burton has a dark-style that is a continuous theme throughout almost all of his movies. The dark themes are one the of the key characteristics that identify a movie as a Tim Burton film. For example; his re-make on Alice In Wonderland was quite different and an extreme alternative to the original 1949 cartoon version. With a much darker and scarier contrast. The characters have much darker backstories, and the continuation of most of them being “mad” in “Wonderland”- a strange world runs throughout. Compared to the cartoon version, Burton creates the idea of Wonderland being more real, and the characters more realistic.Burton follows the 3-act structure, as does very big Blockbuster shown on screen. It flows; keeping the audience entertained, even when setting the scene and plot for the movie. There is a start, flowing to two plot-twists, before ending in a climax, and then resolution. The genre of this film, however is not set in one specific genre, like a lot of movies that are being created; they are often a hybrid, one genre mixed with another. And as for Alice In Wonderland, it is clear that it is a fantasy mixed with Action. The editing for this film is dark; making the animation rather realistic. The editing style, especially for Tim Burton films is consistent. Called continuity edits-the editing made within this film is almost invisible, to make the film flow in time with the story and narrative, one scene flows perfectly into the next. The shots used are very stereotypical for a big Blockbuster; big close ups to make a point, or to create tension. (E.g: When the Mad-Hatter is “angry”) or a close up on the character when making a point. However, most of the shots are fairly moderately opened pan, to give more of a perspective to the viewer, of the world the character is in, and to set the scene. The lighting, music and sound is also key, linking to editing; Burton uses a lot of light to signify where themes could change to dark, the music is made tense, dramatic, adding texture of sound and creating a better viewing experience for all. However, the music used is very dramatic, and upbeat. It’s not slow, nor relaxing; once more adding to the overall experience given off by the movie. Overall, with these factors contributing to Burton’s movies, this gives his movies the typical dark-feel and creates one of the main features that we recognise.This theme of slight crazed and darkness can also be shown within his other famous re-make: Charlie and The Chocolate Factory. This version is slightly darker; again with better effects and presents it’s self to all ages; as it contains humour, and dark themes that the older generations will enjoy. However, compared to that of the original film, entitled “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.” The original film, directed by Mel Stuart was more based for children, the themes were lighter- and though “Willy Wonka” was quite an angry character, he was very much more happier; than Jonny Depp’s version that hit the screens in 2005. Comparing them both, I have found that even the children, in the original had lighter backstories than the ones in Tim Burton’s remake was. Similar to Alice In Wonderland, Charlie And the Chocolate Factory has the same 3-act structure, like I have previously mentioned; this is present within all Tim Burton’s films, and as with the editing, lighting, music and sound; often disorientating music and weird sounds are used with some of the crazier characters, this is also linked to that of the dark themes, characters and general atmosphere’s that his movies give off. However, the genre for this movie, like Alice In Wonderland is a hybrid of other genres. Though this movie is more Children’s Fantasy/Comedy; there is a theme of action and adventure, like Alice In Wonderland that features in both films. And once more, the choice of shots are very similar to Alice in Wonderland, as when a point is made; for example when “Willy Wanka” makes a funny joke, the camera is zoomed in. On the other hand, Burton is more well-known for his animation movies; such as Frankenweenie, Corpse Bride, and of course; Nightmare Before Christmas. All of these three movies have many things in common; Clay and computer animation. Add to this, Tim Burton’s natural dark style and odd-almost Halloween-themed characters; this creates Burton’s unique style to movies. And this factor is one of the most important reasons as to why we recognise those films as “Tim Burton Films.” As previously mentioned, if you take these natures away; it does arise questions to whether you would recognise it as a Tim Burton movie?With the evidence I have provided, I do believe that Tim Burton can be called an “Auteur” as he has an unique way of creating his stories; and there are many little factors; such as clay animation, the actors he chooses, and the themes that he has that makes it stand out as one of his films. However, in relation the Auteur theory, he doesn’t fit it specifically; as he often does not write, direct and produce the films. But because of this, it has made me believe that auteur theory does not exist, as it is a team project to make a film work. And to create something truly unique that Tim Burton does, it needs more than one person to help create his way of films. In conclusion, I have explored the ways of Auteur Theory and whether it does or does not apply. pared to Jarmusch, Tim Burton is very similar to him; along the line of themes, they are both very dark-aligned and both explore the darker natures to films; as madness and crazed characters seem to be a prominent features throughput both of their films. However, their genre’s are quite different. Jarmusch doesn’t really tailor for children, there are heavy adult themes going on throughout his movies, and the subject’s they’re based off are not for children; his genre’s link to drama and thrillers. For example; Down By Law could be classed as a dramatic thriller, and especially Permanent Vacation. Although it is possible to argue that D.B.L could also be classed as crime. And this goes for all films; recently, most films are a mixture, a hybrid of often more than one specific genre; as it seems to make films more entertaining and appealing. However, during the French new wave, and especially the 8o’s it was more common for one film to have one specific genre, rather than a mixture of several others. On the other hand, Tim Burton’s genre’s are very much mixed; compared to Jarmuch’s. Burton tailors for all needs; and it does also appeal to children, for example Alice In Wonderland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are more tailored for younger audiences, however they do also appeal to adults and teenagers because of the more darker and crazed sides of the films. Burton’s, however, are still classed as Thrillers; yet Horror and Comedy seem to meld into one with Burton’s, but also his movies are easy to understand, whereas compared to Jarmuch’s films, Jarmusch needed a more mature audience to understand his films, and to keep the interest up. This shows that he aims more for a specific target audience, whereas Burton has tailored for all ages.Based upon this, I do believe that Burton is far more advanced in terms of movie making; however I do take into fact that it was a different time, I believe that Burton was more realistic in terms of themes, whereas Jarmuch leans towards more unrealistic tendencies. Bibliography“Charlie and the chocolate Factory”[Found 15TH January. 2015][Author: IMDB]“Alice in Wonderland”[Found 15th January. 2015][Author: IMDB]“Alice In Wonderland”[found 15th January, 2015][Author: IMDB]“Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.”[Found 15th January, 2015.][Author: IMDB] ................
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