Danish and German Silent Cinema: Towards a Common Film Culture

The book explores the cultural exchange between Denmark and Germany in the silent era of film, shedding light on famous films and stars like Asta Nielsen, Olaf Fnss, and Pat & Patachon. It employs diverse perspectives such as production and distribution history, international cultural relations, celebrity studies, and aesthetic analysis. Based on extensive archival research in Germany and the Scandinavian countries, the book discusses the concept of national cinema and film historiography from an entangled film history perspective.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The book delves into the intricate cultural exchange between two prominent European film nations of the silent era, offering fresh perspectives on renowned films and stars such as Asta Nielsen, Olaf Fønss, and Pat & Patachon (also known as Long & Short). Employing a diverse range of perspectives, including production and distribution history, international cultural relations, celebrity studies, and aesthetic analysis, the book sheds light on the complex interplay between Danish and German cinema from 1910 to the advent of sound around 1930.

The film industries of these two countries were closely intertwined, with numerous film professionals crossing national borders. The studies presented in this book encompass production and distribution history, censorship, celebrity studies, and aesthetic analysis. Through extensive empirical investigation of films, individuals, and companies, they contribute to the broader understanding of European film and cultural history, emphasizing cross-border interchanges and mutual influences.

Written by an international team of scholars, this book represents the culmination of a four-year collaborative research project that ran in parallel with the stumfilm.dk initiative, aimed at digitizing the entire Danish silent film heritage. The book offers valuable insights into the rich and complex history of silent cinema, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural and artistic connections between Denmark and Germany during this pivotal period.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399508377