Auteur Or Not

The word auteur is used to describe a filmmaker who has such a great influence in their films that they are the equivalent to an author of a book or play (the word literally meaning ‘author’ in French).

Clint Eastwood is very well known in the film industry for his iconic rolls in westerns such as ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ (1966) and ‘Dirty Harry’ (1971). However, he’s also made a name for himself as a director. His debut as a filmmaker was ‘Play Misty For Me’ (1971) which was praised upon release and proved that Clint Eastwood could be more than just a film star.

Play Misty For Me (1971)

He’s continued to make his own films still to this day with some notable examples being ‘Gran Torino’ (2008), ‘Million Dollar Baby’ (2004) and, what’s often considered to be his greatest masterpiece, ‘Unforgiven’ (1992).

Unforgiven (1992)

One of his traits as a director is his focus on American culture and history, which can be recognised by many as he’s so well known for westerns. The only real diversion of this trait was his film ‘Invictus’ (2009). Another trait of his is his tendency to cast himself in his own films.

Clint Eastwood has managed to be able to set himself apart from other filmmakers, and he definitely does possess traits which make his films inherently his own. As a result, he is often described as an auteur in filmmaking as he continues to expand his filmography with similar themes of individuality and having strong, macho leads within his works.