Foreign Film Theory Anthology (Volumes 1 & 2, Revised Edition): Modern Western Academic Library

Author: Li Hengji, Yang Yuanying, Editors
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-11-01
Features: Foreign Film Theory Anthology was first published in the 1990s, and its compilation process received significant help and encouragement from many colleagues in the film studies field. It can be said that it is the fruit of theoretical passion in the 1980s. Shortly after its publication, the book quickly went out of print. Over the years, the editors have frequently received inquiries from teachers and students across various regions seeking to purchase copies, as the popularization of film and television education urgently requires foundational theoretical texts. Despite repeated apologies, plans to revise the book were repeatedly shelved due to various reasons. This time, Sanlian Bookstore generously assisted in the re-publication, for which I am deeply grateful. The late Mr. Li Hengji, who passed away seven years ago, must also rejoice in heaven. The first edition of the Anthology paid special attention to compiling important texts of 20th-century world film theory, and its structure divided the era into two major phases: classics and modernity. Therefore, the revised edition maintains the original structure without significant changes, only incorporating some revisions and supplements. At the dawn of the 21st century, the field of film studies ising new movements. By re-publishing the Foreign Film Theory Anthology, we look back at the historical process of film studies becoming an independent discipline while also hoping to inspire the emergence of new research findings. If the self-conscious construction of film theory originated from the question "What is film?", then further development in film theory must necessarily be built upon new problem awareness. Through the reassembled topics and reflections, we hope to rediscover the passion and diligence of the past. This book is part of the Modern Western Academic Collection, and it provides a detailed analysis of film theory in two parts, including renowned film theories by masters such as Hugo Münsterberg, Béla Balázs, Sergei Eisenstein, Dziga Vertov, and Rudolf Arnheim. It is suitable for film researchers as a reference and learning tool.