Feeling Cinema Emotional Dynamics in Film Studies

by Laine, Tarja

• ISBN13: 9781441168153
• ISBN10: 144116815X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-09-29
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic

Summary

There is an upsurge of interest in contemporary film theory towards cinematic emotions. Tarja Laine's innovative study proposes a methodology for interpreting affective encounters with films, not as objectively readable texts, but as emotionally salient events. Laine argues convincingly that film is not an immutable system of representation that is meant for (one-way) communication, but an active, dynamic participant in the becoming of the cinematic experience. Through a range of chapters that include Horror, Hope, Shame and Love - and through close readings of films such as The Shining, American Beauty and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Laine demonstrates that cinematic emotions are more than mere indicators of the properties of their objects. They are processes that are intentional in a phenomenological sense, supporting the continuous, shifting, and reciprocal exchange between the film's world and the spectator's world. Grounded in continental philosophy, this provocative book explores the affective dynamics of cinema as an interchange between the film and the spectator in a manner that transcends traditional generic patterns.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments Introduction

Chapter 1: Horror Overwhelming fear: The Shining Imprisoned in madness: Repulsion Chapter 2: Hope Morbid curiosity: The Vanishing Clairvoyant spectatorship: Don't Look Now Chapter 3: Trauma Death as entelechy: The Sea Inside Psychosis as refuge: Elementary Particles Psychosis as entrapment: Reprise Compassionate participation Chapter 4: Anguish Becoming rhythm Synaesthetic tactics: Dancer in the Dark Resonating sonic space: The Silence Chapter 5: Shame Suburban rebellion: American Beauty Unruly sociology: Borat Chapter 6: Anger Looking down with contempt: Elephant Hate as positive liberty: Hunger Friendship as resentment in solidarity: 4 Months, 3 Weeks & 2 Days Chapter 7: Love Cinema as seduction: Dangerous Liaisons Ironic abjection: Romance Authentic love: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

Bibliography Index