Arnheim for Film and Media Studies

This book explores Rudolf Arnheim's contributions to film and media studies, revisiting his influential theories and their contemporary relevance.

This insightful volume revisits the legacy of Rudolf Arnheim, a pivotal figure in film studies, particularly known for his influential work Film as Art. The collection brings together an international group of scholars who examine Arnheim's later contributions to the visual arts and their relevance to contemporary film and media studies. Through fourteen essays, the contributors explore various dimensions of Arnheim's theories, shedding light on how his aesthetic principles can enhance our understanding of cinematic art.

Rudolf Arnheim (1904-2007) initially gained recognition for his groundbreaking ideas on silent cinema, but over time, he became more prominent in art and art history. Despite moving away from cinema, his later theories on form, perception, and emotion remain crucial for modern film scholarship. The essays in Arnheim for Film and Media Studies delve into a wide array of topics, including his views on modernism, his criticism of sound and color in film, and the socio-political context that shaped his early ideas.

This collection is essential for film and media students and scholars who aim to grasp the contemporary significance of Arnheim's foundational work in film theory and aesthetics. By reassessing his film theory and its implications, this book not only honors Arnheim's legacy but also enriches the ongoing discourse in film and media studies.