What Film Is Good For: On the Values of Spectatorship

This book explores the value of film, with responses ranging from personal to theoretical, affirming that films make us reflect, connect, adapt, evoke wonder and beauty, and challenge and transform, making them invaluable.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

For well over a century, going to the movies has been a beloved pastime for billions across the globe. But is film actually good for anything? This volume brings together thirty-six scholars, critics, and filmmakers in search of an answer. Their responses range from the most personal to the most theoretical—and, together, recast current debates about film ethics. Movie watching here emerges as a wellspring of value, able to sustain countless visions of the good life. Films, these authors affirm, make us reflect, connect, adapt; they evoke wonder and beauty; they challenge and transform. In a word, its varieties of value make film invaluable.

Introduction:
The film has been a staple of human entertainment for over a century, captivating audiences with its visual and auditory wonders. While its impact on society is undeniable, the question of whether film is actually good for anything has been debated for years. In this volume, we bring together thirty-six scholars, critics, and filmmakers to explore this topic in depth.

Personal Perspectives:
The contributors to this volume offer their personal perspectives on the value of film. Some argue that film is a powerful tool for social change, capable of raising awareness about important issues and inspiring action. Others believe that film is a form of art that can evoke emotions and provide a sense of escapism from the stresses of everyday life.

Theoretical Approaches:
The contributors also take a theoretical approach to the question of film value. Some argue that film is a medium that can be used to explore complex ideas and concepts, while others suggest that film is a form of entertainment that is primarily concerned with pleasure and escapism.

Film Ethics:
Film ethics is a critical aspect of the debate about film value. The contributors to this volume explore various ethical issues that arise in film, such as the representation of race, gender, and sexuality, the use of violence, and the portrayal of morality.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the contributors to this volume offer a diverse range of perspectives on the value of film. While some argue that film is a waste of time and money, others believe that it is a powerful tool for social change, art, and entertainment. Ultimately, the question of whether film is actually good for anything is a matter of personal interpretation and perspective.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520386815