The second edition features fourteen new essays that expand on the original content, providing fresh insights and perspectives. A new foreword sets the stage for these contributions, enhancing the book's relevance and depth. This edition aims to enrich the reader's understanding of the subject matter, making it a valuable resource for both new readers and those familiar with Rothman's work.
A new view of the master's oeuvre, focusing on his ambivalence toward the Emersonian way of thinking he longed to embrace but resisted for the sake of his art.
Documentary Film Classics offers close readings on a number of major films, such as Nanook of the North, Land Without Bread, Night and Fog, Chronicle of a Summer and Don't Look Back. Spanning the history of the documentary film tradition, William Rothman analyzes the philosophical and historical issues and themes implicit in these works. Designed to guide film students through the "texts" of a wide range of documentaries, his readings also focus on the achievements of these works as films per se.
The second edition features fourteen new essays that expand on the original insights, offering fresh perspectives on film theory and analysis. A new foreword sets the stage for these updated discussions, enhancing the book's relevance in contemporary film studies. Rothman's work continues to engage with critical themes, making it an essential read for scholars and enthusiasts alike.
Essays at the Intersection of Film Criticism and Philosophy
Arguing for the importance of philosophy in film studies, the book explores how philosophical inquiry enhances the understanding of cinematic art. It delves into the interplay between philosophical concepts and film narratives, suggesting that this relationship deepens the analysis of themes, characters, and the medium itself. By bridging these disciplines, the text emphasizes the value of philosophical perspectives in enriching the appreciation and critique of films.
This expanded edition offers a fresh perspective on a classic work of film criticism, featuring a new chapter that delves into "Marnie," Alfred Hitchcock's most emotional and contentious film. The analysis explores the film's themes and complexities, providing readers with a deeper understanding of its significance in Hitchcock's oeuvre.
Exploring the connection between Cavell and Emerson, this work offers a unique perspective on Cavell's body of work, emphasizing how his evolving thoughts on cinema intertwine with philosophical themes. It presents an insightful analysis of how these influences shape his understanding of art and existence, providing a compelling narrative that deepens the reader's appreciation for both Cavell's philosophy and his cinematic reflections.
Stanley Cavell's writings on film are comprehensively collected in this volume, showcasing his unique perspective as a philosopher who integrates cinema into his work. The essays span from the 1970s to the present, featuring both significant theoretical discussions and critical analyses of specific films and filmmakers, including many previously unpublished pieces. William Rothman's introduction offers insights into Cavell's philosophical approach and his contributions to film studies, highlighting the evolution of his thought over three decades.