David Bordwell

Definition

David Bordwell is a prominent American film theorist and historian known for his contributions to the study of narrative cinema, particularly through his emphasis on the cognitive aspects of film viewing. His work often explores how viewers make sense of films and the various narrative techniques employed by filmmakers, influencing both academic and popular discourse in film studies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bordwell's influential books, such as 'Narration in the Fiction Film' and 'On the History of Film Style,' have shaped contemporary understanding of narrative cinema.
2. He often collaborates with fellow film theorist Kristin Thompson, with whom he has co-authored multiple works on film analysis and theory.
3. Bordwell argues against the dominance of auteur theory by focusing on how films engage viewers through their structure rather than just the intentions of individual filmmakers.
4. He employs a systematic approach to film analysis, emphasizing the importance of context, style, and viewer engagement in understanding cinematic works.
5. Bordwell is known for coining terms like 'intensified continuity,' which describes modern editing practices that enhance viewer engagement with fast-paced narratives.

Review Questions

• How does David Bordwell's approach to film studies differ from traditional auteur theory?
  • David Bordwell's approach contrasts with traditional auteur theory by shifting the focus from the intentions and creative vision of individual filmmakers to the ways films are constructed to engage viewers. He emphasizes understanding films through their narrative structures and cognitive processes involved in viewing. This perspective allows for a broader analysis that includes various cinematic techniques rather than attributing a film's success or meaning solely to its director.
• Discuss the significance of cognitive film theory in Bordwell's work and how it shapes our understanding of audience engagement with films.
  • Cognitive film theory plays a significant role in David Bordwell's work as it examines how viewers process and interpret films. By analyzing the mental activities involved in viewing, Bordwell sheds light on how audiences derive meaning from narratives. This approach influences not only academic perspectives but also practical applications in filmmaking, as understanding viewer cognition can guide narrative strategies and enhance emotional impact.
• Evaluate how David Bordwell's concepts have contributed to evolving discussions in American cinema studies regarding narrative forms and viewer interaction.
  • David Bordwell's concepts have profoundly impacted discussions in American cinema studies by challenging conventional understandings of narrative forms and encouraging critical inquiry into viewer interaction. His emphasis on cognitive processes reshapes how scholars approach film analysis, moving beyond mere thematic exploration to consider how narrative structures actively engage audiences. This shift has fostered richer debates about cinematic language, storytelling techniques, and the evolving relationship between films and their viewers in an increasingly complex media landscape.

Related terms

Cognitive Film Theory: A branch of film theory that focuses on the mental processes of viewers when engaging with films, examining how audiences interpret narratives and images.

Narrative Structure: The framework that dictates the organization of events in a story, including the arrangement of plot elements and character development.

Film Analysis: The practice of examining the various components of a film, including its narrative, visual style, and cultural context, to understand its meaning and impact.