Filmmaking, like many other fields of work and art, can be broken down into many components, and that is exactly what film theory is. It’s a way to break down movies1 and extrapolate meaning from the way they are made.
Simple, right? Film theory doesn’t have to be complicated, but at the same time, consider just how many technical and creative elements are necessary for a film: screenwriting, directing, cinematography, editing, etc… In the same way, multiple film theories exist. They can also contradict or complement each other.
We’ll detail some of the more popular film theories out there in just a moment.
What is film theory in simple terms?
Film theory is the study of how film can evoke intellectual and emotional responses in audiences through the techniques of the filmmakers and themes presented in the movies themselves.
What is the purpose of film theory?
For film theorists, cinema is an art form. For this reason, film theory exists for individuals to analyze movies and better understand the meaning that can be gained from them.