Post-Theory: Reconstructing Film Studies : Book Review

In "Post-Theory: Reconstructing Film Studies," David Bordwell challenges the prevailing post-structuralist and postmodernist approaches that dominated film studies in the late 20th century. He offers a critical evaluation of these theories, which he finds lacking in rigor and practicality. Bordwell argues for a return to traditional theories and methods, focusing on narrative, style, and historical contexts.

Bordwell begins by deconstructing the post-structuralist and postmodernist theories, suggesting that they prioritize political or social agendas over the actual analysis and understanding of films. According to him, these approaches hinder the development of a systematic film theory that can effectively address the complexity of films.

The author highlights the importance of narrative in understanding film. He draws from classical Hollywood cinema and classical narratology, urging scholars to pay attention to the structure and coherence of narratives. Bordwell believes that films have an inherent storytelling logic that helps us comprehend their meaning and impact.

Additionally, Bordwell emphasizes the significance of style in film analysis. He proposes that scholars should study visual and formal elements, such as cinematography, editing, and sound, to understand how films communicate their meaning. By analyzing these aspects, Bordwell encourages a more nuanced approach to film theory that incorporates both formal analysis and historical context.

In essence, Bordwell advocates for a reconceptualization of film studies that acknowledges the importance of both narrative and style. "Post-Theory: Reconstructing Film Studies" offers a critical examination of prevailing theories of the time and provides a compelling argument for a more comprehensive and systematic approach to film analysis.

What are readers saying?

David Bordwell's book "Post-Theory: Reconstructing Film Studies" has garnered mixed reactions from readers. While some readers found the book to be a valuable and thought-provoking read, others expressed difficulty in comprehending the dense and academic writing style.

The readers who appreciated the book praised Bordwell's thorough analysis and his ability to challenge predominant theories in the field of film studies. They commended the book for its rigorous approach and examination of postmodern and post-structuralist ideas. These readers found Bordwell's arguments compelling and well-supported by extensive research, considering the book to be an important contribution to the field.

However, other readers struggled with the book's dense nature and inaccessible writing style. They found it challenging to fully grasp Bordwell's arguments and felt that the book was more suited for scholars and experts in the field, rather than general readers with a casual interest in film studies.

Some readers also expressed disappointment in the lack of practical examples and case studies within the book. They believed that these real-world applications would have enhanced the theoretical discussions and facilitated a clearer understanding of the complex ideas being presented.

Furthermore, there were readers who criticized the book for its outdated content. They felt that the book was a response to debates prevalent in the 1990s, making it less relevant in today's rapidly evolving field of film studies. For a more up-to-date understanding of the discipline, these readers recommended seeking out more recent works.

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