Abstract

Douglas Fairbanks, the actor, the star, and the artist, has been the subject of many scholarly articles and books. However, little has been written about Fairbanks as an auteur. While some scholars have referred to him as an auteur, the designation is generally reserved for directors rather than actors and producers. The present thesis, through a systematic analysis of the visual style in Fairbanks’ films from 1915 to 1918, demonstrates how some unique characteristics of his films—such as the Average Shot Length and use of Camera Movements, Intertitles, etc.—follow a systematic trend over time and with various directors at the helm, while at the same time deviating from its contemporary industry trends. The only common denominator among the 18 films studies in this sample is Fairbanks, as opposed to a director, writer, cinematographer, or even studio. The findings of this study, coupled with historical accounts painting Fairbanks as the man in charge, suggest that the term auteur is an appropriate designation for this silent-era star.