In the class, it was talked about the duties of a director as both a technician and a stylist. In the course that followed, it gave us a better understanding of directing, about how to define a director and other more descriptive aspects of directing.
Auteur theory is about the role of the film director in the production of a film, his/her decision-making process and his/her control over the overall expression of the work. For Hayao Miyazaki, he is not only an animator, but also a director, who has shaped a unique directing style through his works and influenced the whole animation industry. Miyazaki is known for his unique visual style and profound storylines. Through the criteria defined in the lecture, we can consider him as an auteur because his work demonstrates a clear identification of authorship and a unique style that is reflected in every frame.
In Miyazaki’s work, we can find a deep concern for nature, humanity and social issues. His ideology is expressed through the camera, while his themes and aesthetics are embodied through the portrayal of delicate images and emotional depth. This is in line with the lecture’s definition of the director’s personal contribution.
Experimentalist Definition of Personal Contribution: Miyazaki’s animation work often involves experimental attempts at traditional animation, including novel treatments of set design, character development, and plot presentation. He pushed the boundaries of animation through his experimental approach and brought innovation to the field.
Through this lecture, we define Miyazaki as an auteur because his work is not only the creation of animation, but also the skilful application of various aspects of auteur theory. By looking at his unique identity, personal style, thematic concerns and experimental contributions to the field of animation, we can clearly recognise his notable contributions to the field of auteurism.