What does the auteur theory emphasize about film directors?

The auteur theory emphasizes the director's unique vision and personal style, suggesting that a director can be seen as the primary author of a film. This theory posits that the creative choices a director makes throughout the filmmaking process—such as themes, narrative style, visual composition, and character development—reflect their individual artistic identity. This idea emerged from the French film criticism of the 1950s and has been influential in suggesting that a director’s personal imprint is what makes a film distinctive and recognizably their own.

The other options do not encapsulate the essence of auteur theory. While financial success and the collaborative nature of filmmaking are important considerations in the film industry, they do not relate directly to the concept of a director's artistic authority. Furthermore, although technical aspects of film production are crucial for creating a film, the auteur theory specifically stresses the director's artistic vision rather than technical capabilities.