Film and Television Analysis: An Introduction to Methods, Theories, and Approaches

Film and Television Analysis is a textbook designed to introduce undergraduate students to qualitative methodologies used to study film and television. It covers ideological analysis, auteur theory, genre theory, semiotics and structuralism, psychoanalysis and apparatus theory, feminism, postmodernism, cultural studies, and contemporary approaches to race, nation, gender, and sexuality. The second edition includes new and updated case studies, over 130 color images, questions for discussion, suggestions for further reading, and a glossary of key terms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 430 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This extensively revised second edition textbook is meticulously crafted to provide undergraduate students with an immersive introduction to the most significant qualitative methodologies employed in the study of film and television. The comprehensive range of methodologies covered in Film and Television Analysis encompasses:

Ideological Analysis: This approach delves into the examination of ideologies embedded within films and television shows, exploring their underlying beliefs, values, and social implications. It employs critical frameworks to analyze the textual content and examines how these ideologies shape the narrative and the characters.

Auteur Theory: Auteur theory focuses on the individual creative vision of filmmakers and examines the distinctive stylistic and thematic elements that characterize their work. It explores the influence of the director on the artistic and narrative aspects of a film, highlighting their unique contributions to the medium.

Genre Theory: Genre theory analyzes the classification and categorization of films and television shows based on their stylistic and narrative characteristics. It explores the conventions, tropes, and patterns that define different genres and examines how they shape audience expectations and cultural meanings.

Semiotics and Structuralism: Semiotics and structuralism examine the linguistic and symbolic aspects of film and television, exploring how images, sounds, and symbols convey meaning and create narratives. It analyzes the structural elements of films, such as editing, lighting, and sound design, and examines how they contribute to the overall meaning of a scene.

Psychoanalysis and Apparatus Theory: Psychoanalysis and apparatus theory delve into the psychological and unconscious processes that shape the characters and narratives in films and television. It explores the role of the viewer in interpreting the text and examines the psychological motivations and desires of the characters.

Feminism: Feminism examines the representation of women and gender in film and television, exploring the historical and cultural factors that have shaped their portrayal. It examines the challenges and struggles faced by women in the media and advocates for greater gender equality and representation.

Postmodernism: Postmodernism challenges traditional narrative structures and examines the complexities of identity, language, and power in film and television. It explores the deconstruction of traditional storytelling and the emergence of new forms of representation and interpretation.

Cultural Studies (including Reception and Audience Studies): Cultural studies encompasses the examination of the cultural context in which films and television shows are produced and consumed. It explores the social, political, and economic factors that influence the production and reception of media content.

Contemporary Approaches to Race, Nation, Gender, and Sexuality: Contemporary approaches to race, nation, gender, and sexuality examine the ways in which these social constructs are represented and contested in film and television. It explores the ways in which these issues are portrayed, interpreted, and debated by audiences and critics.

Each chapter in Film and Television Analysis focuses on a distinct methodology, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of its historical developments, key concepts, and significant scholars. The textbook is designed to be accessible to students encountering these concepts for the first time, with a reader-friendly style that incorporates visual aids such as over 130 color images and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter. Additionally, suggestions for further reading and a glossary of key terms are provided to enhance the learning experience.

In conclusion, Film and Television Analysis serves as an essential textbook for undergraduate students embarking on their journey into the qualitative analysis of film and television. By covering a wide range of methodologies and providing comprehensive coverage of key concepts, this textbook equips students with the tools they need to critically engage with the medium and gain a deeper understanding of its complex and multifaceted nature. Whether students are interested in exploring ideological analysis, auteur theory, genre theory, or any other aspect of film and television analysis, this textbook offers a valuable resource that will enhance their academic journey and broaden their intellectual horizons.

Weight: 942g
Dimension: 178 x 254 x 41 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367186845
Edition number: 2 ed