The Intensive-Image in Deleuze's Film-Philosophy

The book "The Intensive-Image: Deleuze and Cinema" explores the concept of the intensive-image to develop a deeper understanding of the role played by intensity in the history of the cinematic image. It argues that the intensive-image breaks up Deleuze's divide between classical and modern periods and links these two periods to contemporary cinema through its unique properties. It also explores the ways in which the intensive-image varies and differentiates itself from other images and the role it plays in contemporary cinema.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The book delves into the concept of the intensive-image to provide a deeper understanding of the role played by intensity in the history of the cinematic image. It aims to explore the significance of intensity in Deleuze's philosophy and its potential application in analyzing cinematic intensity.

Escobar begins by examining the notion of intensity in Deleuze's philosophy and its implications for understanding cinematic intensity. He argues that the intensive-image offers a unique perspective on the history of the cinematic image, challenging the traditional divisions between classical and modern periods and linking them to contemporary cinema through its distinctive properties.

One of the key arguments of the book is that the intensive-image breaks up Deleuze's classification of cinema into two periods and two main types of images. Traditionally, cinema has been categorized as signifying two distinct periods: the classical period of the movement-image and the modern period of the time-image. However, Escobar suggests that the intensive-image constitutes an important cinematic category that challenges this binary division and opens up new possibilities for understanding the relationship between these two periods.

Through the exploration of the intensive-image, readers are encouraged to reconsider Deleuze's taxonomy of images in his Cinema 1: The Movement-Image and Cinema 2: The Time-Image. Escobar argues that the intensive-image constitutes a third category that bridges the gap between these two periods and provides a fresh perspective on the evolution of cinematic images.

One of the distinctive features of the intensive-image is its emphasis on the sensory and affective aspects of the cinematic experience. Escobar argues that the intensive-image is characterized by a heightened sense of intensity, which can be experienced through the use of high-contrast images, rapid editing, and intense sound design. These techniques create a sense of urgency and dynamism that can be particularly powerful in conveying emotions and ideas to the audience.

In addition to its emphasis on intensity, the intensive-image also varies and differentiates itself from other images in contemporary cinema. Escobar explores the ways in which the intensive-image can be used to create unique visual styles and narrative structures, as well as the role it plays in shaping the cultural and political landscape of contemporary cinema.

Overall, the book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the concept of the intensive-image and its implications for understanding the history of the cinematic image. By challenging traditional classifications
conceptions and offering a fresh perspective on the relationship between classical and modern periods, the intensive-image opens up new possibilities for analyzing and interpreting cinematic intensity. It is a valuable contribution to the field of film studies and will be of interest to scholars and students alike
interested in the philosophy of cinema, visual aesthetics, and the history of film.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399517539