Understanding Film Theory

by Christine Etherington-Wright, Ruth Doughty

Film theory has a reputation for being difficult. It is challenging, it takes time and it can frequently leave students feeling inadequate and frustrated. Furthermore, theory can often seem intimidating and oldfashioned and therefore it can be difficult to appreciate its modern-day relevance. Understanding Film Theory aims to disassociate theory from these negative connotations and bring a fresh, modern and accessible approach to the discipline. Each of the fifteen chapters provides an insight into the
main areas of debate by introducing key ideas and thinkers. Taking the application of theory as its central theme, the book incorporates a number of exciting and innovative features: ‘Reflect and Respond’ sections encourage readers to engage critically with theoretical concepts, while seminal texts are concisely summarized without oversimplifying key points. Throughout the book the authors illustrate why theory is important and demonstrate how it can be applied in a meaningful way, with relevant case studies drawn from both classic and contemporary cinema including: Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), Run Lola Run (1998), Moulin Rouge! (2001), Rabbit-Proof Fence (2002), Old Boy (2003), Brokeback Mountain (2005), Mamma Mia! (2008) and Avatar (2009). Additional case studies address key genres (‘swashbucklers’ and the film musical), film movements (Dogme 95), individual actors (Christian Bale, Judi Dench and Amitabh Bachchan) and directors (Alfred Hitchcock and Guillermo del Toro).  Understanding Film Theory is an accessible and comprehensive introduction to film theory. It is the ideal entry point for any student studying film, using clear definitions and explaining complex ideas succinctly.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2011

Reviews

[Ketab Dozd · Rating 5 out of 5]

حالا که هردو جلدشو خوندم بنظرم ارزش پنج ستاره دادنو داره. کتاب جامعی بود که آدم رو با ذکر مثال‌های متعدد و آثار اصلی منتشر شده در جریان رویکردهایی که تا به حال در مطالعات سینما وجود داشتن قرار می‌داد. من ترجمه‌ش رو به اسم «درک تئوری فیلم» خوندم که در طاقچه موجوده. ترجمه روان بود هرچند رسم‌الخط عجیبی داشت که فکر میکنم چندان مهم نیست. ضمن این که اگر سانسوری در کار بود لااقل به طور محسوس نبود و بخش همجنسگرایان و کوییرها بنظر کامل و بدون دخل و تصرف میومدن. توصیه میکنم.

[Trevor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is basically a textbook for an introductory film theory course. It's a bit dry since it's an academic text, but it uses current examples of well-known movies, so it's still relevant for the general public.

A good overview of the different frameworks that can be used to analyze a movie, including summaries of the notable academic contributions to each theory.

[Vahid Rajabi · Rating 4 out of 5]

کتاب خیلی خوبیه که جدیدا ترجمه شده. در دو جلد. از دست ندین

[Eskil · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the book is good for pointing to further reading materials, it feels quite sloppy because it does very little in the way of processing or commenting on the referenced material, and there are a number of typos and missed spaces. Fukasaku Kinji is refered to as "Fukaska" both in an early chapter and in the index, but not in the reception studies chapter. Japanese names are traditionally written (incorrectly) with the first name first in the West, and this is done on page 42, but on page 297, where they spelled his last name correctly, it's done the other way around. They also refer to Park Chan-Wook as "Chan-Wook Park, often referred to as Park Chan-Wook (...)," and I can tell the good doctors why he is: because that's how everyone writes Korean names. You don't see anyone going around talking about Il-Sung Kim, leader of North Korea, do you? And it's not like his whole family have the same first name and different last names.

Anyway, the case studies are quite helpful. Some of the comments from the authors are simply a bit strange. It's a weak three stars because this all distracted from the experience. It's never nice when a book feels rushed, even if you got it for £10.

[Doug Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this is a great overview of the key theories film students should know. Really useful further reading/viewing suggestions with links in the kindle version. It also discusses some less probed theories of film with up to date 2016/17 research