VISUAL STORYTELLING IN AUTEUR FILMMAKING: AN ANALYSIS OF CINEMATIC TECHNIQUES

Abstract

This study discusses the role of visual framing as a narrative tool in auteurs- directed Hollywood movies. There are recurrent visual signatures of auteur filmmakers, but the academic literature regarding their styles has been dominated by qualitative literature. The study will use the quantitative content analysis method in analyzing shot size, camera angle, placement of characters, and symmetry in movies produced by Quentin Tarantino, Werner Herzog, Christopher Nolan, and David Lynch. The sampling method adopted was systematic, whereby the scenes were chosen every 15 minutes in eight films (N = 56). The results have shown that despite the fact that all four auteurs often use medium and eye-level shots, their unique styles are seen in their use of characters and compositional balance. The framing of Tarantino and Nolan is strongly dependent on symmetrical and centred framing, Herzog is much less skewed towards naturalistic symmetry, and Lynch is always inclined to asymmetry as a means of creating surreal and psychological tension. The conclusion of this paper is that visual framing is an objective aspect of auteur style, which confirms the auteur theory and also proves the usefulness of quantitative research methods in film studies.