A Level Film: Component 1A - Michael Curtiz as an Auteur

What is Auteur Theory?

A critical method popularised before the French New Wave, by which a film is viewed as the product of its "auteur" or director and is judged by the quality of its expression of the director's personality or world view.

What is an auteur?

A director, production company or actor who have a recognisable, marketable style

Oligopoly

A market structure in which a few large firms dominate a market (like Classical Hollywood)

Why is Curtiz not considered an auteur?

Although Curtiz has multiple techniques characteristic of an auteur, as he was contracted by Warner Bros. it is more accurate to say his techniques reflects Hollywood values, and by extension the studio system at the time.

The Hollywood Star system

Bogart and Bergman were famous faces on contract to Warner Bros who instantly attract audiences. Typically Bogart played cynical, amoral detectives, but this was his first romantic role

Casablanca was released in 1942 instead of 1943 because...

Casablanca takes place on the four days leading up to the Japanese attack on the US military base at Pearl Harbour on 7th December 1941. The event led directly to USA entry into WW2. Rick represents US foreign policy, from isolationist to intervention. The film reinforces the USA's support for the allied war effort.

What were typical Warner Brothers films like?

Gangster or social realist films, which often used low-key lighting to hide cheaply built sets

Michael Curtiz was chosen to direct Casablanca because...

He was a respected 'journeyman' director on contract to Warner Brothers, and commonplace during the studio era. He was considered a studio workhorse who could turn his hand to a variety of genres.

Michael Curtiz's influence on the film can be seen through...

He was heavily influenced by German Expressionism, which we see in Casablanca with the patterned, fragmented chiaroscura lights and shadows, although these were used in other Warner Bros films

Who was often credited as the real auteur influence on Casablanca?

Producer Hal B. Wallis, who cast the film, and insisted on script changes being made including the iconic ending;

Some of Curtiz's other films include...

Robin Hood, Captain Blood

Curtiz had a reputation for aesthetic qualities including...

Visual story-telling; Fast paced films with dynamic camera movements; Attention to detail; High contrast lighting (this was also one of Warner Brothers to match their hard boiled characters )

Vertical Integration meant that...

Warner controlled production, distribution and exhibition of their films (all three stages of a film's life).

Warner Bros

Warners was one of the 'Big Five' studios (Hollywood studio system). During the 1940s, Warners were known for tough detective thrillers (film noirs), social realism and melodramas.

As part of their background, Warner Brothers...

Were of Jewish descent, and held anti-Nazi views, as reflected in Casablanca as it exposes the corrupt Renault. Warner Brothers were the first studio to put out an anti-Nazi propaganda film. They decided not to show their films in countries that did not want this propaganda- risking their profit