This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help improve this article by introducing citations to additional sources.Find sources: "Structuralist film theory" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (January 2024)

Structuralist film theory is a branch of film theory that is rooted in structuralism, itself based on structural linguistics.

Overview

Structuralist film theory emphasizes how films convey meaning through the use of codes and conventions not dissimilar to the way languages are used to construct meaning in communication. However, structuralist film theory differs from linguistic theory in that its codifications include a more apparent temporal aspect. In other words, the site of the study (the film) is moving in time and must be analyzed in a framework which can consider its temporality. To that end, structuralist film theory is dependent on a new kind of sign, first proposed by the Prague linguistic circle, dubbed the ostensive sign.[1]

An example of this is understanding how the simple combination of shots can create an additional idea: the blank expression on a person's face, an appetizing meal, and then back to the person's face. While nothing in this sequence literally expresses hunger—or desire—the juxtaposition of the images conveys that meaning to the audience. Unraveling this additional meaning can become quite complex. Lighting, angle, shot duration, juxtaposition, cultural context, and a wide array of other elements can actively reinforce or undermine a sequence's meaning. This is known as the Kuleshov effect.[citation needed]

Theoreticians

Film theorists associated with structuralism include Peter Wollen,[2] Sol Worth, Calvin Pryluck,[3] Christian Metz.[4] and Will Wright.[5]

See also

References

  1. ^ Sternagel, Jörg, Deborah Levitt, Dieter Mersch, and Lesley Stern. Acting and Performance in Moving Image Culture: Bodies, Screens, Renderings, 2012. p. 307.
  2. ^ "Peter Wollen obituary: the maven of British film theory | Sight & Sound". British Film Institute. 2019-12-20. Retrieved 2023-10-23.
  3. ^ Cook, David A. (1975). "Some Structural Approaches to Cinema: A Survey of Models". Cinema Journal. 14 (3): 41–54. doi:10.2307/1225133. ISSN 0009-7101.
  4. ^ Henderson, Brian (1975). "Metz: Essais I and Film Theory". Film Quarterly. 28 (3): 18–33. doi:10.2307/1211695. ISSN 0015-1386.
  5. ^ Wright, Will (September 1977). Sixguns and Society: A Structural Study of the Western. ISBN 978-0-520-03491-4.


Categories