The Oxford Handbook of Cinematic Listening

The Oxford Handbook of Cinematic Listening explores the place of cinema in the history of listening, looking at how cinematic modes of listening have extended into other media and everyday experiences. It is structured around six themes: Genealogies and Beginnings, Locations and Relocations, Representations and Re-Presentations, The Listening Body, Listening Again, and Across Media.

Format: Hardback
Length: 776 pages
Publication date: 26 August 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

The Oxford Handbook of Cinematic Listening delves into the profound significance of cinema in the realm of listening, offering a comprehensive exploration of its place in history. It examines the intricate ways in which film sound is intertwined with textual, spatial, and social practices, while also investigating how cinematic modes of listening have permeated various media and everyday experiences. The handbook is organized into six compelling chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of cinematic listening.

Part I (Genealogies and Beginnings) takes a historical approach, examining film sound in the context of pre-existing practices like opera and shadow theatre. It also delves into the transformative changes in listening that occurred at pivotal moments in the early history of cinema. This section explores the ways in which film sound has evolved and adapted to new technologies and cultural contexts.

Part II (Locations and Relocations) focuses on specific venues and presentational practices, ranging from roadshow movies to contemporary live-score screenings. It explores the ways in which cinematic sound is experienced within these diverse contexts, considering the impact of the physical environment, audience participation, and technological advancements.

Part III (Representations and Re-Presentations) delves into the formal properties of specific films, analyzing the representations of listening on screen and the role of sound as a representational surplus. It explores how filmmakers use sound to convey emotions, create atmosphere, and shape narrative. This section also examines the ways in which sound is reinterpreted and analyzed outside the cinema, through ancillary materials such as songs and soundtrack albums, experimental conditions, and pedagogical contexts.

Part IV (The Listening Body) explores the power of cinematic sound to engage the full body sensorium. It examines how sound creates a visceral and immersive experience, affecting our perception, emotions, and physical sensations. This section also considers the ways in which cinematic sound can be used to create a sense of place, time, and identity.

Part V (Listening Again) discusses a range of ways in which film sound is encountered and reinterpreted outside the cinema. It explores the impact of ancillary materials such as songs and soundtrack albums, experimental sound installations, and the influence of film sound on other artistic mediums. This section also examines the pedagogical implications of cinematic listening, highlighting its potential as a tool for education and cultural understanding.

Part VI (Across Media) compares cinema with the listening protocols of TV series, music videos, promenade theatre, personal stereos, video games, and Virtual Reality. It explores the similarities and differences between these media, examining how cinematic sound is adapted and transformed to suit different formats and contexts.

In conclusion, The Oxford Handbook of Cinematic Listening is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of cinematic listening. It provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the ways in which film sound shapes our experiences, influences our perceptions, and contributes to the cultural fabric of our society. By examining the historical, formal, and experiential aspects of cinematic listening, this handbook offers valuable insights for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 1438g
Dimension: 218 x 269 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190853617