On The Figure In General And The Body In Particular:

This insightful exploration examines how cinema represents figures and bodies, revealing the connections between abstraction and representation in On The Figure In General And The Body In Particular.

In On The Figure In General And The Body In Particular, the authors explore the intricate relationship between film and its representation of figures, bodies, and movements. The book delves into how cinema continuously reinterprets archetypes while also creating new, thought-provoking prototypes that resonate with reality. It poses essential questions about the nature of these cinematic presences, examining why audiences are captivated by shadows, silhouettes, and hypothetical beings that populate the screen. By analyzing various films, the authors seek to uncover the underlying principles that govern figurative values in cinema.

The essays featured in this volume draw upon both classical and contemporary filmmakers, including the likes of Sergei Eisenstein and Patricia Mazuy. They highlight celebrated directors such as Robert Bresson and John Cassavetes, as well as lesser-known figures like Al Razutis and Monte Hellman. This diverse range of perspectives allows for a comprehensive examination of how cinematic creatures traverse different films and images, articulating connections between the abstract and the figurative. The authors aim to provide tools for understanding these phenomena, which have often been overlooked in film analysis.

By proposing a method of cinematic analysis that emphasizes formal and plastic qualities, On The Figure In General And The Body In Particular opens up a new field of inquiry. The essays encourage readers to engage deeply with the visual language of cinema, enhancing their appreciation of the art form's complexity and richness.