ENG 225
Ryan Coogler and the Utilization of Auteur Theory
The University of Arizona Global Campus
ENG 225: Introduction to Film
Ryan Coogler and the Utilization of Auteur Theory
Auteur theory or author theory was popular in France in the 1950s and is an assessment
of film in which the director is seen as the main writer. Leaving the director responsible for the
decisions of what is seen in the films. Many did not and still do not believe the auteur theory to
be valid. According to Menne (2011) auteur theory is what holds the unity of a film and as a
whole is established under the director's operation (pg. 36 para. 1). This paper will be focused on
Ryan Coogler’s films, Fruitvale Station (2013) and Black Panther (2018) which show his
skillfulness in auteur through the different styles of lighting, various color palettes, and his art of
cinematography.
Technical Competence
When it comes to auteur, Andrew Sarris relies on guidelines such as technical
competence, distinguishable personality and interior meaning. Technical competence is the outer
shell and the first that will be discussed in this paper. Goodykoontz et al. (2019) quotes Sarris
when he said “a great director has to be at least a good director (Chp. 8.3, para. 4).” Meaning
some part(s) of the director's overall work should stand out to make the film more amusing.
Junaedi, Hariadi, and Purnama (2018) all believe that in order for a good film to be produced
there are many things to consider beforehand. Making sure that a film's cinematography is good
such as lighting and proper adjustment of the camera can be beneficial to the story being told
which allows the audience to understand it.
Some may say that many of Ryan Coogler’s cinematography skills can also be considered
his technical competencies. The way he uses various lighting styles throughout his films make
Ryan Coogler and the Utilization of Auteur Theory
The University of Arizona Global Campus
ENG 225: Introduction to Film
Ryan Coogler and the Utilization of Auteur Theory
Auteur theory or author theory was popular in France in the 1950s and is an assessment
of film in which the director is seen as the main writer. Leaving the director responsible for the
decisions of what is seen in the films. Many did not and still do not believe the auteur theory to
be valid. According to Menne (2011) auteur theory is what holds the unity of a film and as a
whole is established under the director's operation (pg. 36 para. 1). This paper will be focused on
Ryan Coogler’s films, Fruitvale Station (2013) and Black Panther (2018) which show his
skillfulness in auteur through the different styles of lighting, various color palettes, and his art of
cinematography.
Technical Competence
When it comes to auteur, Andrew Sarris relies on guidelines such as technical
competence, distinguishable personality and interior meaning. Technical competence is the outer
shell and the first that will be discussed in this paper. Goodykoontz et al. (2019) quotes Sarris
when he said “a great director has to be at least a good director (Chp. 8.3, para. 4).” Meaning
some part(s) of the director's overall work should stand out to make the film more amusing.
Junaedi, Hariadi, and Purnama (2018) all believe that in order for a good film to be produced
there are many things to consider beforehand. Making sure that a film's cinematography is good
such as lighting and proper adjustment of the camera can be beneficial to the story being told
which allows the audience to understand it.
Some may say that many of Ryan Coogler’s cinematography skills can also be considered
his technical competencies. The way he uses various lighting styles throughout his films make
