I. What is Genre Theory? Genre theory is a critical concept in film studies that examines how films are categorized based on common themes, styles, and conventions. It explores the ways in which audiences interpret and understand films through the lens of genre, which helps to shape their expectations and experiences. Genre theory also considers … Read more
I. What is Intertextuality? Intertextuality is a literary and cultural theory that refers to the relationship between texts, where one text is influenced by or references another text. It is the idea that all texts are interconnected and that meaning is created through the interaction of these texts. Intertextuality can take many forms, including direct … Read more
I. What is Interdisciplinary Film Studies? Interdisciplinary Film Studies is a field of study that combines elements of film theory, history, production, and criticism with insights from other disciplines such as sociology, psychology, literature, and cultural studies. It seeks to understand the art of cinema from a variety of perspectives, exploring how films reflect and … Read more
I. What is a Camp Aesthetic in Film? Camp in film refers to a style or sensibility that is characterized by its exaggerated, theatrical, and often ironic or humorous approach to storytelling. It is a form of aesthetic expression that embraces the artificial, the exaggerated, and the over-the-top. Camp in film often involves a deliberate … Read more
I. What is Gaze Theory? Gaze Theory is a concept that originated in the field of psychoanalysis and was later applied to film studies by feminist scholars. It refers to the act of looking and the power dynamics that come into play when one person gazes at another. Gaze Theory explores how the act of … Read more
What is Neo-Formalism? Neo-Formalism is a theoretical approach to the analysis of film that emerged in the late 20th century as a response to traditional formalism. It focuses on the formal elements of a film, such as its structure, composition, editing, and cinematography, to understand how these elements contribute to the overall meaning and impact … Read more
What is Reader-Response Criticism? Reader-Response Criticism is a literary theory that focuses on the reader’s experience and interpretation of a text rather than the author’s intentions or the text itself. It emerged in the 1960s as a reaction against formalist and structuralist approaches to literature, which emphasized the text as an autonomous object with inherent … Read more
I. What is Spectacle in Film? Spectacle in film refers to visually striking and impressive elements that captivate the audience’s attention. It can include elaborate special effects, stunning cinematography, grand set designs, and breathtaking action sequences. Spectacle is meant to awe and entertain viewers, creating a sense of wonder and excitement. II. How is Spectacle … Read more
I. What is Ideology? Ideology refers to a set of beliefs, values, and ideas that shape an individual’s or group’s understanding of the world. It serves as a framework through which people interpret and make sense of social, political, and cultural phenomena. Ideologies can be explicit or implicit, conscious or unconscious, and they often reflect … Read more
What is Cultural Studies? Cultural Studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the ways in which culture shapes and is shaped by society. It examines the production, consumption, and interpretation of cultural texts, such as films, literature, music, and art, in order to understand how they reflect and influence social, political, and economic structures. Cultural … Read more