Carl Plantinga is a distinguished author whose work delves deeply into film analysis and its narrative techniques. His approach explores how cinematic devices shape our perception and emotional response. Plantinga focuses on how rhetoric and representation in non-fiction film construct our understanding of reality. His writings offer valuable insights into film theory and criticism.
Explores the intersection between movies, reality, and fantasy; between subjective and objective representation. The book shows that surreal fantasies ground their images, sounds, and narratives in quotidian reality. On the other hand, even the most realistic documentaries rely on creative structures that are products of the human imagination.
Through a discussion of mainstream Hollywood films, this title investigates what the author terms 'the paradox of negative emotion' and the function of mainstream narratives as ritualistic fantasies. It describes the sensual nature of the movies and shows how film emotions are often elicited for rhetorical purposes.
The book, originally released in hardcover by Cambridge University Press, offers a comprehensive exploration of its subject matter, delving into key themes and insights. It presents well-researched arguments and includes a rich array of examples, making it a valuable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. The author's expertise and engaging writing style contribute to a deeper understanding of the topic, encouraging readers to reflect on its broader implications.