Theresa Hak Kyung Cha in Black and White

Theresa Hak Kyung Cha's film theory explores the relation between text, author, and reader through two key literary intertexts: Henry James's The Jolly Corner and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux's writing. The study analyzes flashes of identification and dwells on the figure of the martyr to arrive at the death of Cha, the patron saint of artists and scholars fascinated by her art and suffering.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 24 August 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Theresa Hak Kyung Cha's film "Black and White" delves into the intricate relationship between text, author, and reader, a concept that forms the core of her study of cinema. By examining two significant literary intertexts in "Dictée," Cha explores the complex interplay between these elements. The first intertext is Henry James's "The Jolly Corner," a hidden literary resonance within "Apparatus," Cha's anthology of film theory. The second intertext is the writing of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, a primary intertext at the heart of "Dictée."

In Cha's film theory, black and white represents the flickering of the cinematic apparatus, a visual representation of the contrasting elements that shape the film. The "Elements" readings delve into this contrasting palette, offering self-reflexive portraits in black and white. This study explores moments of identification, often characterized by punishing self-encounters, and centers its attention on the figure of the martyr. Through this exploration, the study aims to unravel the tragic fate of Theresa Hak Kyung Cha, the patron saint of artists and scholars captivated by her art and her profound suffering.

ISBN-13: 9781009323437