Benshi, Japanese Silent Film Narrators, and Their Forgotten Narrative Art of Setsumei: A History of Japanese Silent Film Narration

by Jeffrey A. Dym

During the early decades of motion pictures, film exhibitors experimented with having entertainers sit next to the screen to provide commentary and dialogue. This work shows that the narrators (benshi) became an integral part of motion picture history, creating the narrative art of setsumei.

312 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2003