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Tag Archives: Film Theory
Horror As a Model for Indie Film
Some people theorize (citation needed…) that the horror genre gives us an embodiment and outlet for our amorphous and repressed fears. There are corollaries about the rise of horror revenues during times of socioeconomic tumult and war. Horror, the theories go, allows us to release these emotions vicariously, in small doses, and within the safe [...]
Polymathism and Indie Film
On one hand, some of the most important intellectual work of our civilization was done by great, creative thinkers not bound to one area of specialization. Da Vinci was “a scientist, mathematician, engineer, inventor, anatomist, painter, sculptor, architect, botanist, musician and writer”; Newton a “physicist, mathematician, astronomer, theologian, natural philosopher”. Modern society is built upon [...]
Now a Filmmaker
As of now, I am a practicing filmmaker (again). Only this time I have plan. In the past I bought a camera, found a screenplay macro for Word, and made my friends parade around in my “comedies”. Back then I had a very specific goal, to work out the digital workflow, then master each part [...]
The Promise of Auteur Theory
The critical thought behind Auteur Theory led to real changes in regional cinemas, even if for short periods. The French Cahiers critics used their critical work to launch their own filmmaking careers. However, that impact was short lived.
Because, like many critical studies, the politique des auteurs ignored the contexts that helped shape it, once social [...]
Critique of Criticism
Before I begin, I should state what my purpose is here. I am studying classic film theory to see if and how relevant it can be to a practicing independent filmmaker today and in the future. My judgments are not qualitative, but are based on this perspective. I have thus far, and will continue to [...]
The Economics of Modern Art Cinema
I will preface this post thusly:
It does not take very much study of Auteur Theory to run into some of the fundamental conflicts I have alluded to earlier. One of the biggest is this: can film even be art (like a painting or poem) since it is a commercial commodity (like orange juice or gasoline).
I [...]
The Foundation for Auteur Theory
I am deeply entrenched in The Cinema Book, 2nd Ed. edited by Pam Cook and Mieke Bernink (third edition now out, no idea what the difference might be, other than less used copies available for film students). I am walking through the book in my study of Auteur Theory. Thus far, I have covered a [...]
Film Criticism: A Basic Conflict
I am studying classical film criticism, mostly Auteur Theory (which I will get into much greater depth later). I have studied most of this in the past, but I am bringing a new angle to this research now that I am not being forced to do it by graduation requirements. There exists in classical film [...]
Filmmaking Career Path