The book delves into the evolution of visual style in British cinema, examining pivotal discussions within film journals after World War II. It highlights how these debates shaped the understanding and appreciation of aesthetics in film, reflecting broader cultural and artistic movements of the time. By analyzing key articles and critiques, the author provides insights into the changing landscape of film criticism and its impact on the British film industry.
"Mise-en-scène: Film Style and Interpretation" explores and elucidates constructions of this fundamental concept in thinking about film. In uncovering the history of mise-en-scène within film criticism, and through the detailed exploration of scenes from films as "Imitation of Life" and "Lone Star, " John Gibbs makes the case for the importance of a sensitive understanding of film style, and provides an introduction to the skills of close reading. This book thus celebrates film-making as well as film criticism that is alive to the creative possibilities of visual style.
Exploring the nature of consciousness, this book argues that our perception of the world is fundamentally shaped by ideas, as our consciousness is confined within the physical body. It posits that the essence of the world is comprised of these ideas, with consciousness having existed within this framework for eons. This perspective offers insights into creation and seeks to unravel various enigmas of human experience and behavior, presenting an idealistic view of reality.