I. What is Abjection? Abjection is a concept that was first introduced by French psychoanalyst and philosopher Julia Kristeva in her seminal work “Powers of Horror: An Essay on Abjection.” In simple terms, abjection refers to the feeling of disgust, revulsion, and horror that arises when confronted with something that is considered taboo, repulsive, or … Read more
What is a Cult Film? A cult film is a movie that has developed a dedicated and passionate fan base over time. These films often have a niche appeal and are not typically mainstream or widely popular upon their initial release. Cult films can span various genres, including horror, science fiction, comedy, and drama. What … Read more
What is a Cultural Artifact? A cultural artifact is an object or creation that is representative of a particular culture or society. These artifacts can include physical objects such as art, literature, clothing, and tools, as well as intangible creations such as music, language, and traditions. Cultural artifacts provide insights into the beliefs, values, customs, … Read more
I. What is Reception Theory? Reception Theory, also known as reader-response criticism, is a theoretical framework that focuses on how audiences interpret and make meaning of texts. It posits that the meaning of a text is not fixed or inherent but is instead constructed by the reader or viewer based on their own experiences, beliefs, … Read more
I. What are Cinematic Codes? Cinematic codes refer to the various techniques and conventions used by filmmakers to convey meaning, create atmosphere, and evoke emotions in their films. These codes are visual and auditory cues that help to communicate the story, themes, and characters to the audience. They can include elements such as lighting, camera … Read more
I. What is Mythological Criticism? Mythological criticism is a literary theory that focuses on the interpretation of myths and mythological symbols in literature and other forms of art. It seeks to uncover the underlying meanings and themes within a text by analyzing the cultural, societal, and psychological implications of myths and archetypes. This approach views … Read more
I. What is Post-Colonialism? Post-Colonialism refers to the study of the cultural, political, and economic effects of colonialism on societies that were once colonized. It examines the lingering impacts of colonization on the colonized people and their descendants, as well as the power dynamics between colonizers and the colonized. Post-Colonialism seeks to challenge and deconstruct … Read more
I. What is Visual Pleasure? Visual pleasure refers to the enjoyment and satisfaction that individuals derive from viewing visual stimuli, such as images, videos, or films. It is a subjective experience that can vary from person to person, as different individuals may find different things visually appealing or stimulating. Visual pleasure can be influenced by … Read more
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
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
