Slumdog Millionaire: Danny Boyle as an Auteur

In order for a director to be considered an auteur he/she must prove their body of work continuously displays ongoing themes and considerations throughout. Whether intentionally or unintentionally auteur's often have a differentiating style, almost instantly recognizable to an audience. A director is often assigned as the author of a film imposing their own personality on the story. Potentially, Danny Boyle could considerably be labelled an auteur due to the consistency in his work. Often Boyle's work falling under the social realist genre seemingly all have similarities such as fast pace editing, isolated lead characters and over-arching manic energy. Despite his long career as a director and his transformation in status, Boyle has continued to produce work easily recognizable to fans and a wider audience.

Throughout Boyle's body of work a reoccurring theme throughout looks at the idea of a flawed yet likeable main character. Often protagonists in Boyle's films possess charm and strength enabling them to overcome obstacles in their life. Furthermore films such as Trainspotting, 28 Days Later and Slumdog Millionaire ultimately all sinister, dark stories however showcase themes such as achievement and the celebration of life. Jamal (Slumdog), Mark (Trainspotting) and Jim (28 Days Later) are all alike in many ways, all normal and in some cases from deprived backgrounds throughout each movie go on a journey of discovery to which difficulties must be faced in order to finally triumph. Even in moments of despair to which the audience often feel sympathetic towards characters Boyle brings forth a positive somewhat hopeful message showcasing the willingness of an individual against all odds. Likewise to Slumdog Millionaire where Jamel must recollect his life, witness the death of his mother and suffer at the hands of a game show in order to find his one true love, Latika. Boyle also uses the theme of a somewhat challenged hero in his Oscar nominated film 127 Hours. This film uses themes such as entrapment and desperation in order for main character Aron Ralston (portrayed by James Franco) to fear for his life then coming up with a means for survival even if it does mean cutting of his arm, many of Boyles characters prevail in the end. A tale of survival centered around isolated and rather courageous main characters is undoubtedly a theme Boyle uses within many films including the likes of The Beach.

Another occurring theme through Boyle's work is his use of music deliberately embedding it at certain points within scenes to evoke emotion or setting it alongside a choice of editing making the audience alert or even involved within the scene. In particular the use of score in Slumdog Millionaire doesn't just encourage emotion from the audience but makes them completely involved in the movie almost given an insight into the Indian culture. One scene in Slumdog that stands out to me through the choice of song is during a montage showing both Jamel and Salim trying to make a living, begging and selling items for money. MIA's, 'Paper Planes' I feel is perfectly suited to the hustle and bustle of the scene as it is upbeat and energetic. The soundtrack to Slumdog Millionaire uses different genres and even mixing it within traditional Indian sound potentially opening up to a wider audience.

Boyle often uses a mix of uplifting music alongside his fast editing another recognizable feature to Boyle's work invites the audience totally involved in the scene. Films such as Trainspotting is also recognizable for its soundtrack collectively yet individual songs which add emotion to scenes.

Another recognizable feature of Danny Boyle's work is his use of camera and editing. Many scenes within his work often have the effect of a handheld camera as the balance of the shot can considered uneven. Predominately this is used in Boyle's 127 Hours which is almost given a documentary style feel potentially being typical of Boyle conforming to the social realist genre, he so often does even though this movie in particular might not be. Likewise to the camera and editing used in Slumdog Millionaire I feel in some scenes creates and uneasiness and suspense. However it can be used for example in the chase scenes at the beginning of the movie as a way of creating high energy, totally involving the audience as if they are part of the narrative also giving an insight into the surroundings.

In conclusion, I feel Danny Boyle undoubtedly deserves the title of a auteur. A recurring theme throughout his body of work is the clear enthusiasm he has for his films which for me an auteur should have. Likewise to his energetic choice of editing and takes Danny produces the same level of liveliness in each film. There are obvious comparisons to his work collectively even though it may not appear that way on the surface.