Reflection on Auteur theory, related to Akira Kurosawa

Leading up to our discussion on auteur theory, I watched three films by Akira Kurosawa; Rashamon, 7 samurai, and Yojimbo.  As a result of me finding the films via seeded online sources, all but one of the films had any form of subtitles (the film which did offer English subtitles had overdubbed Russian dialogue on top of the original Japanese audio, leading to quite and interesting viewing experience).  I have to note as I begin to discuss auteur theory, that while I have already seen 7 samurai several years ago, and remembered the story, in not having any English dub or subtitles for 7 samurai or Rashamon, I actually had watched more than half of Yojimbo under the impression that I was watching 7 samurai before I realized that I was watching another film.  To me, this is indicative that a director, or at the very least, Kurosawa’s vision in filmmaking outshines influences and the process and pipeline of developing film. 

            In making my own film as we speak for my senior thesis in computer animation, I have say that I am personally offended by the notion that there are people who would not believe the concepts of auteur theory.  To me what this is saying is that there are people who would believe that directors are interchangeable, and that the creative vision of individuals working on a film, or any piece of art for that matter, are of little importance to the process or outcome of creating a work of film.

            I understand criticisms of auteur theory, particularly in regards to animation.  There is the idea that animated film are produced in a formulaic means, wherein every aspect of the pipeline and creative process predetermines the final film, and very little creative vision or stress ends up in the final product.  While I agree that there exists a strictly regimented pipeline, I would assert that it’s presence is not so much to determine the creative result of the film, but to minimize technical errors and stresses, and let the creativity and decisions of those working on the film to shine out.  In my opinion, anyone who would suppose that Pixar films are made by a system of formulas and predetermined processes are holding onto such antiquated thoughts on art and film, similar to the notion that digital painters press a button to paint a building, or computer animators do not actually use any creative talent in doing what we do.  Damn muggles, if they only knew the effort and stress necessary to make the magic of art possible.