Final Film Critique: If Beale Street Could Talk

Auteur Theory 1

Auteur Theory

Tara Thompson

Ashford University

Course Code: ENG 225: Introduction to Film

Susan Lick

December 7, 2020

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Auteur Theory 2

Auteur Theory

Filmmakers often get recognized for their work of passion, but few get to the auteur class.

To be precise, few meet the criteria to be called an auteur; they do not or rather not stand out as

the authors of their direct films. Some are outstanding in their work that they get noticed and

win awards because of their poetic, empathetic, and realistic results. In this study, we discuss

Barry Jenkins, who has been an extraordinary filmmaker with a proven track record that does not

go unnoticed. Barry Jenkin's previous work, 'Moonlight', shows his skills in mastering that art of

directing when he catches the audience's attention with poetry creativity in this production.

Auteur Theory

In his literary work in 1954, Director Francois Truffaut came up with the auteur theory,

which refers to or defines those film directors who are outstanding in their work. They stand out

simply because they do more than just direct; they participate in the film by writing, acting, and

having a personal vision for the film (Francois, 1954). A director is fully engaged in his film

production and has a clear vision and theme reflection for a reality that qualifies to be the film's

author. Just as the French say, an 'auteur.'

Through this criterion, Barry Jenkins has been picked as one of the outstanding Directors

in the film-making industry since he has done a lot of directing that showcases his true self and

brings the audience close to his films' characters. Jenkins' work in 'Moonlight' was poetic in a

way that the film was not necessarily considered a movie by its critics (Alisson, 2017), through

whom it managed to get nominated for the Oscars. The whole character of Chiron in the film,

surrounded by so many mysterious life occurrences, sounds creative and choreographed but at

the same time possible. This qualifies the film as a poetic work, reflecting the Director's creative

nature.

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1. Barry Jenkin's previous

work, 'Moonlight', shows

his skills in mastering that

art of directing when he

catches the audience's

attention with poetry

creativity in this

production.

thesis works [Susan Luck]

2. through whom it

managed to get nominated

for the Oscars.

here you are saying the critics

got it nominated,which isn't

quite what you mean. The

error is called a misplaced

modifier

For example, it is correct to

say, "Ron pet his growling

dog," rather than "Growling,

Ron pet his dog." [Susan

Luck]

3. Chiron

did you get the symbolism of

his name? Chiron is the

disabled teacher of the gods

in Greek mythology [Susan

Luck]

Auteur Theory 3

Jenkins was also highly creative in his drama production, 'If Beale Street Could Talk,' and

his choice of characters and the film's plot showcases the reality of life despite not happening

exactly in his context. He tries to show the world how life is cruel for blacks and gives it a nice

warm ending when the lovers have it their way. Such creativity is a trademark and allows him to

own the work.

Auteur Theory

First, it must be noted that Jenkins qualifies as an auteur. Several of his films do not fail

to capture the moments of revelation. He does not miss anything and ensures that everything is

entirely in place. In the movie he has directed and authored, there is always a trick played where

the audience must access the plot's hidden meaning. Characters are usually keenly selected for a

purpose; to represent a required feature or phenomenon. Jenkins is keen on passing his

information to the general public, and that his where the unique state in his plot always turns out

to be outstanding.

For example, the plot he chose to use on the 'Moonlight' is one that represents the cruelty

of life to the select races, who are at the same time surrounded by mysterious events. The plot of

a black boy growing up in Miami's housing projects with parents who have daily encounters with

drugs is one that attracts a lot of attention. The audience wants to find out what happens to the

innocent kid. Events change when they come to find out that the kid is also gay. Being black

and gay with parents who are either selling or using drugs is the worst nightmare-the whole plot

and how events unravel showcases the Director's creativity.

Auteur Theory

Barry Jenkins stands out from his peers as his films' application of themes, technique, and

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1. characters and the film's

plot showcases the reality

of life despite not

happening

exactly in his context.

not sure what you mean here

[Susan Luck]

2. Such

good assertion [Susan Luck]

3. Several of his films do

not fail

to capture the moments of

revelation.

This sentence would be

clearer if it were in positive

rather than negative

construction. I had to read it

twice. [Susan Luck]

4. phenomenon.

good assertion [Susan Luck]

5. events unravel

showcases the Director's

creativity.

explain [Susan Luck]

6. and

do you have a similar

unraveling in Beale Street you

can refer to? [Susan Luck]

Auteur Theory 4

narrations of stories in his film are unique. The approach he gives to his narratives is

extraordinary. He makes sure the audience does not overlook the story and message behind the

pictures.

Jenkins engages the viewers through his close-up shots, which help with empathy. All

emotions are displayed correctly, and there is no chance a scene can be missed. The 'Moonlight'

shot that won the Oscars award was a close-up shot, and the theme was also perfectly captured.

One can tell the mood from the picture. It speaks for itself without requiring a third-party

translation. The unique visual effects on his films ensure that the scenes' surrounding is well

captured and recognized (Mitch, 2004).

The choice of themes Jenkins uses in his films gets the audience involved. The somber

moods, the worried nature of characters is noticed. Unlike other film Directors, Jenkins can tell

the story using only the video without necessarily needing the sound or audio for that matter.

The theme of the production can be said just by pure observation.

Auteur Theory

In conclusion, in film production, directing is more than just giving directions; it is more

involving than directors are aware of. It is an art that must be natural, and for sure, Barry Jenkins

has acknowledged that in his roles in production go beyond just sitting in the Director's chair.

He gets involved, and his efforts are reflected through his exquisite films, which have and are

still winning awards across the industry.

Jenkins has what it takes to engage the audience in his films, unlike other Directors;

Barry has mastered the art and is ranked as an auteur in the industry. His creativity and

techniques apply in his production are unlike his peers; therefore, he has become successful in

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1. unique. The approach he

gives to his narratives is

extraordinary.

explain what you mean by the

adjectives. These are what

are known as abstract

concepts, which means they

mean something different to

each person. If you can

replace with concrete words,

your points will be stronger

[Susan Luck]

2. The 'Moonlight' shot that

won the Oscars award was

a close-up shot, and the

theme was also perfectly

captured. One can tell the

mood from the picture. It

speaks for itself without

requiring a third-party

translation. The unique

visual effects on his films

ensure that the scenes'

surrounding is well

captured and recognized

(Mitch, 2004).

explain what the shot is, who

is in it, etc. Your reader

doesn't know exactly what

you mean until you tell him

[Susan Luck]

3. noticed.

how? [Susan Luck]

4. using only the video

without necessarily

needing the sound or audio

for that matter.

explain. Give details to

support your points [Susan

Luck]

Auteur Theory 5

his career and can be utilized as a mentor to others.

References

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Auteur Theory 6

Wilkinson, A. (2017, February 27). Moonlight is a remarkable achievement in film-making. Its

Best Picture win is well deserved. Retrieved from

https://www.vox.com/culture/2017/2/27/14748332/moonlight-best-picture-why-it-won

Mitchell, M. (2004). Visual Effects for Film and television. Focal Press, Oxford.

Rabiger, M., & Hurbis-Cherrier, M. (2013). Directing: Film techniques and aesthetics. Waltham,

MA: Focal Press.

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