This paper investigates the paradigmatic models of creative authorship within the cinematic arts, namely Auteur Theory and Schreiber Theory. Drawing upon historical and contemporary examples from global cinema, the study critically examines the roles of the director and screenwriter in shaping film narrative, aesthetic coherence, and thematic substance. It elucidates the director’s capacity to imprint a distinct personal vision on the cinematic text, while also considering the foundational influence of the screenplay as a narrative blueprint. By juxtaposing these theories, the paper reveals the intricacies of collaborative creation in filmmaking and argues for the continued relevance of directorial vision as a decisive factor in the realization of cinematic art. The discussion further explores how the evolving dynamics of film production and narrative complexity challenge conventional notions of creative ownership, ultimately proposing that the director’s transformative contribution aligns more closely with the embodied essence of the art form.
- Quote paper
- Gbenga Emmanuel Adeboye (Author), 2025, Creative Sovereignty in Screen Arts. A Critical Interrogation of Auteur Theory versus Schreiber Theory in Contemporary Global Cinema, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1577636
