Film Studies Lesson 7 Film Theories

A therapeutic method, originated by Sigmund Freud, for treating mental disorders by investigating the interaction of conscious and unconscious elements in the patient’s mind and bringing repressed fears and conflicts into the conscious mind, using techniques such as dream interpretation and free association.

Main purpose of psychoanalytical research = to gain an understanding of the unconscious Freud proposed a person’s awareness existed in layers within psyche and that some thoughts lay just below the surface.

Uncanny occurs when everyday seemingly normal objects are made unfamiliar Provokes mental anxiety Arousing feeling or sensation that is frightening strange and yet secretly familiar Freud identified this term to help people when analysing the mind

The Interpretation of Dreams 1899

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ID in film is associated with villains who follow their desires irrespective of the hurt, suffer or guilt they may cause. Lawless and amoral.

Ego in film is typically represented by the hero. Most heroes work to overcome challenges in order to defeat a nemesis. Have to adapt to and learn from situations they find themselves in. Ego must suppress and control the ID. Hero battles and defeats villain.

Superego in film usually represented by a mentor, father- figure or role model.

Forgetting or ignoring past events that were traumatic in some way. Memories are pushed out of conscious into unconscious.

How can you apply all this to films? Films featuring psychoanalysis/ therapy Films featuring ‘Uncanny’ elements Films featuring Dreams Films featuring psychiatrists Films with characters representing: ID/ Ego/ Super- ego Films dealing with themes of repression

Semiotics: Sign = Horse’s head Signifies a warning from the mafia The study of signs and signifiers: symbolism in film

Denotation Connotation 1.Denotation: Straightforward reading of what is in the picture. 2.Connotation: The extra, linked meanings that go with the picture.

Actually… It is a Norwegian Pine tree, covered in snow and with a red ribbon on (denotation) But it signifies: (connotation) Christmas Presents Families etc. etc. And this is because we share a cultural knowledge about the use of Norwegian Pine trees (thanks to Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert, who brought this German cultural tradition to England in the 1840s!)

Signs and signifiers (Semiotics) Signs – work like denotation – it’s what you see Signifiers - work like connotation – it’s what the sign signifies!

Auteur Theory: the theory that directors are the ‘author’ of their films…directors with a recognisable style across their films

Identifying an auteur Style Trademarks Involvement in the film Distinctive aesthetic Recurring themes Identifiable Recognisable look to films Often personal filmmaking

Hitchcock as auteur Master of suspense Thriller genre Expert in cinematic technique Uses technical aspects in imaginative e ways Innovative camera techniques and editing Motif of murder Extreme CU & POV editing Production: used same screenwriters, art directors, composers and actors Own life influenced work Catholic upbringing; fascination with guilt, punishment, fear and morality Loneliness and outsiders theme Misogyny Sadism

Advocacy of the rights of women: equality of the sexes

Feminism & Film Concerns 1.Role of women in narrative of a film 2.Women’s physical appearance through the visual scheme of a film

Audience/ viewer put into perspective of heterosexual male How an audience view women on screen Women seen as objects Not possessors of gaze Control of the camera (and thus gaze) comes from male as audience of most film genres

Queer Theory: The study of homosexuality in films: directors, films with gay characters…celebration of this. Looking at the representation of gay characters.

Approach seeks to challenge or deconstruct traditional ideas of sexuality and gender especially the acceptance of heterosexuality as normative

I. Crimes Against the Law These shall never be presented in such a way as to throw sympathy with the crime as against law and justice or to inspire others with a desire for imitation. 1. Murder a. The technique of murder must be presented in a way that will not inspire imitation. b. Brutal killings are not to be presented in detail. The sanctity of the institution of marriage and the home shall be upheld Adultery, sometimes necessary plot material, must not be explicitly treated, or justified, or presented attractively. Scenes of Passion a. They should not be introduced when not essential to the plot. Excessive and lustful kissing, lustful embraces, suggestive postures and gestures, are not to be shown Complete nudity is never permitted. This includes nudity in fact or in silhouette, Dances which emphasize indecent movements are to be regarded as obscene No film or episode may throw ridicule on any religious faith.

Reception : Films that are watched by gays and lesbians Production - films made by gays/ lesbians Content - films about homosexuality with narrative addressing queer issues

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