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What is a Phenomenological Approach in Film?

According to definitions, phenomenology represents a qualitative research focus on answering specifically “What is it” rather than quantitative focus on answering questions of frequency such as “how much” or “how many.”  Thus, phenomenology in film focuses on how conditions and aspects of the film experience impact the relationship between the filmgoer and the film. But exactly what is a phenomenological approach in film and what does it mean?

Beverly Boy camera crew on set

What is a Phenomenological Approach in Film?

A Phenomenological approach in film looks to examine film as a phenomenon. Such that we must describe rather than explain or analyze.

Therefore, according to the phenomenological approach in film we must look at how the film is perceived by a filmgoer. As if the individual were being-in-the-film-world. 

Therefore, according to phenomenological analysis of film experience? A film experience is typified as either mediated perception, perception of a perceptual unity, or available and sharable perception.

Counter to Marxism

Essentially a counter to Marxist approaches to film theories or psychoanalytic theories which view film as text.

The phenomenological approach in film offers firm methodology for the guiding thought process representing the experience of viewing.

Thus, phenomenological approaches in film seek to theorize how films are viewed and the connection made between filmgoer and the film.

Based on qualitative research rather than on quantitative study. 

How Does Phenomenological Film Theory Apply to Film Studies?

In examining the answer to this question, “What is a phenomenological approach in film?” it’s important to understand how phenomenological film theory and phenomenological studies impact the exploration of the video experience.

Phenomenological film theory provides some insights into the film experience.

Representing the exploration of communicative elements of film and the perception of film through the intentional verbiage and engagement used. 

Engagements

Through phenomenological film theory, film studies address the expressive and perceptive embodiment of a film experience and the various perspectives of viewers.

Phenomenological understanding of film seeks to draw on the viewer’s engagements with video and their senses as a system of communication.

Thus film connects the filmmaker and the spectator with the world in which we mutually live. But don’t mutually experience in the same ways.

In Summation

By taking a phenomenological approach to film studies, we can appreciate the role that a film has in creating meaning and unique understanding of topics that are of cinematic significance.

Thus the relationship between how we perceive film and what we perceive is objective and can be clearly distinguished from the imaginary or ideological world.

Therefore, a phenomenological approach to film study for students can help us to understand how students experience films and relate with them in the real world. 

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