Phenomenology – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Film Theory Glossary Terms

I. What is Phenomenology? Phenomenology is a philosophical approach that focuses on the study of conscious experience and the ways in which individuals perceive and interpret the world around them. Developed by the German philosopher Edmund Husserl in the early 20th century, phenomenology seeks to understand the structures of consciousness and how they shape our … Read more

Bakhtinian Film Theory – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Film Theory Glossary Terms

I. What is Bakhtinian Film Theory? Bakhtinian Film Theory is a critical approach to analyzing films that draws heavily from the ideas of Russian philosopher and literary critic Mikhail Bakhtin. Bakhtin’s theories focus on the concepts of dialogism, heteroglossia, and the relationship between author and character in literature, but they can also be applied to … Read more

New Historicism in Film – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Film Theory Glossary Terms

I. What is New Historicism in Film? New Historicism in film is a theoretical approach that emerged in the late 20th century as a response to traditional historical and formalist methods of analyzing films. Drawing on the principles of New Historicism in literary theory, this approach seeks to understand films as products of their historical … Read more

Global Cinema – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Film Theory Glossary Terms

I. What is Global Cinema? Global cinema refers to the interconnected network of film industries, filmmakers, and audiences from around the world. It encompasses films that are produced, distributed, and consumed on an international scale, transcending national boundaries and cultural barriers. Global cinema represents a diverse range of genres, styles, languages, and perspectives, reflecting the … Read more

Accented Cinema – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Film Theory Glossary Terms

I. What is Accented Cinema? Accented Cinema refers to a style of filmmaking that focuses on the cultural, social, and political experiences of marginalized or underrepresented communities. This term is often used to describe films that are made by filmmakers from non-Western countries or immigrant filmmakers living in Western countries. Accented Cinema seeks to challenge … Read more

Hermeneutics – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Film Theory Glossary Terms

What is Hermeneutics? Hermeneutics is the study of interpretation, particularly in the context of understanding texts, symbols, and meanings. It originated in the field of biblical studies but has since been applied to various disciplines, including philosophy, literature, and film theory. Hermeneutics seeks to uncover the underlying meanings and intentions behind a text or work … Read more

Hyperreality in Film – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Film Theory Glossary Terms

I. What is Hyperreality in Film? Hyperreality in film refers to a heightened sense of reality that blurs the line between what is real and what is fiction. It is a concept that was first introduced by French sociologist Jean Baudrillard in the 1980s. In hyperrealistic films, the boundaries between reality and fantasy are intentionally … Read more

Cognitive Film Theory – Definition & Detailed Explanation – Film Theory Glossary Terms

I. What is Cognitive Film Theory? Cognitive Film Theory is a branch of film theory that focuses on the viewer’s mental processes and how they interact with and interpret film. It explores how viewers perceive, understand, and engage with films on a cognitive level, taking into account factors such as attention, memory, emotion, and comprehension. … Read more