Aesthetics and the Cinematic Narrative: An Introduction

Filmmakers have used a variety of aesthetic strategies since the late 19th century, influenced by socio-political and cultural contexts, to construct cinematic narratives. 'Aesthetics and the Cinematic Narrative' surveys aesthetics as a practical philosophical discipline and applies its principles to film analysis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2019
Publisher: Anthem Press

Since the dawn of cinema in the late 19th century, filmmakers have harnessed a diverse range of precursory aesthetic strategies in the conception and creation of their diverse works. The existence of these traditional antecedents has granted filmmakers a vast array of technical and artistic applications in constructing their cinematic narratives. Moreover, the socio-political and cultural contexts in which films are conceived often shape the manner in which specific aesthetic sensibilities are chosen and deployed.

‘Aesthetics and the Cinematic Narrative' offers a concise historical survey of aesthetics as a practical philosophical discipline and applies several of its fundamental principles to the examination of filmic storytelling. This book explores the interplay between aesthetics and cinema, examining how visual and auditory elements contribute to the creation of narrative and emotional impact. It also delves into the theoretical foundations of aesthetics, including the works of influential philosophers such as Kant, Hegel, and Schopenhauer, and how these principles have been applied to the analysis of film.

Through a series of case studies, the book demonstrates how filmmakers have employed various aesthetic techniques to enhance their storytelling, such as cinematography, editing, sound design, and mise-en-scène. It also examines how these techniques are influenced by cultural and historical contexts, and how they contribute to the creation of specific cinematic genres and styles.

In conclusion, 'Aesthetics and the Cinematic Narrative' provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the relationship between aesthetics and cinema, offering valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners in the field. By examining the historical and theoretical foundations of aesthetics, as well as the practical applications of these principles to filmic storytelling, this book offers a valuable contribution to the understanding and appreciation of the art of cinema.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 153 x 229 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783089840