The Oxford Handbook of Film Theory

Film remains a vital force in contemporary culture, and this volume explores the ethics, politics, and aesthetics of thinking about the medium of cinema. It is divided into six sections: Meta-Theory, Film Theory's Project of Emancipation, Apparatus and Perception, Audiovisuality, How Close is Close Reading?, and The Turn to Experience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 712 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc

Despite the significant transformations that the media landscape has undergone, film continues to hold a vital and enduring presence in contemporary culture. Moreover, our evolving perceptions of what constitutes a movie or the cinematic realm are equally significant. In fact, it could be argued that the concept of film now exists primarily in theory. At the dawn of the 21st century, the discourse surrounding film theory was understandably preoccupied with the pervasive influence of digital technology on virtually every aspect of the film object. However, this volume takes a different approach by shifting the focus away from the materiality of film and towards timely and thought-provoking inquiries into the ethics, politics, and aesthetics of contemplating cinema as a medium. In essence, this collection narrows its scope to explore the intricacies of film, rather than through a nostalgic lens, but with the recognition that what constitutes a film is shaped by historical contingencies, in constant dialogue with the fluctuations of entertainment, art, and empire.

The volume is structured into six distinct sections:

Meta-Theory: This section delves into the broader theoretical frameworks and concepts that inform our understanding of film. It explores the philosophical, historical, and cultural contexts that shape our perception of the medium.

Film Theory's Project of Emancipation: This section examines the emancipatory potential of film theory and its role in challenging dominant narratives and power structures. It explores how film theory can be used as a tool for social and political critique.

Apparatus and Perception: This section explores the technical aspects of film production and the ways in which they shape the viewer's experience. It examines the role of cameras, lighting, sound, and editing in constructing narratives and creating meaning.

Audiovisuality: This section examines the relationship between visual and auditory elements in film and their impact on the viewer's experience. It explores the aesthetics of film, including the use of color, composition, and sound design.

How Close is Close Reading? This section explores the methods and approaches used in film analysis, including close reading, psychoanalysis, and cultural studies. It examines the ways in which these methods can be used to interpret and understand films.

The Turn to Experience: This section examines the growing emphasis on immersive and experiential forms of film consumption, including virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive installations. It explores the ways in which these new forms of film experience are shaping our understanding of cinema.

In conclusion, despite the profound changes that the media landscape has undergone, film remains a vital force in contemporary culture, and our ideas of what a movie or the cinematic are continue to evolve and expand. This volume provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the many facets of film theory and its relevance to our understanding of the medium. By examining the ethics, politics, and aesthetics of thinking about cinema, it offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse surrounding film and its place in our world.

Weight: 1392g
Dimension: 181 x 257 x 47 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780190873929