Structuralist film theory

Template:Short description Template:Dicdef 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.<ref>Sternagel, Jörg, Deborah Levitt, Dieter Mersch, and Lesley Stern. Acting and Performance in Moving Image Culture: Bodies, Screens, Renderings, 2012. p. 307.</ref>

Theoreticians

Film theorists associated with structuralism include Peter Wollen,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Sol Worth, Calvin Pryluck,<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> Christian Metz.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> and Will Wright.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>

See also

• Semiotic literary criticism
• Structural film

References

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