Documentary Film Analysis

Author: Shan Wanli, Zhang Zongwei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: The "Analysis of Classic Films" series has long been a foundational course in the discipline of Film and Television Arts at Communication University of China, and the most comprehensive course across the university's art-related disciplines. For a long time, it has not only been widely welcomed by students at all levels but also highly praised by peer scholars and experts. This time, the series has been compiled into five volumes in the form of a book series. The content of each volume is both independent and interconnected, providing a systematic textbook for the "Analysis of Classic Films" series and meeting the needs of film and television arts education. The series tutorial has the following characteristics:
(1) Scientificity, Systematicity, and Originality
The "Film Analysis Series Tutorial" consists of five volumes: "Analysis of American Cinema," "Analysis of European Cinema," "Analysis of Asian Cinema," "Analysis of Chinese Cinema," and "Analysis of Documentary Cinema." These correspond to four courses for the Film and Television Arts School—"Appreciation of American Cinema," "Appreciation of European Cinema," "Appreciation of Asian Cinema," and "Appreciation of Documentary Cinema"—and analyze approximately 150 classic films, forming a complete film analysis system that covers major national and regional areas, key creative periods, and major artistic schools of world cinema. This scientific division of film analysis categories and the practice of publishing in volumes is unprecedented in China. Existing professional books on film analysis published domestically are often small in scale, involve fewer films, and primarily focus on Western films. The five-volume "Film Analysis Series Tutorial" emphasizes the importance of Western cinema while fully highlighting the artistic value of Asian and Chinese cinema, enabling them to stand shoulder to shoulder with Western cinema. Moreover, the "Film Analysis Series Tutorial" is the first in China to include documentary films in the scope of film analysis, which holds pioneering significance in China's film and television research and higher education.
(2) Authority and Standardization
The "Film Analysis Series Tutorial" is composed of a editorial board and writing team consisting of renowned scholars, doctoral supervisors, professors, and researchers from Communication University of China and the China Film Art Research Center. The "Analysis of Classic Films" course is a foundational course for the art-related disciplines at Communication University of China, covering almost all art-related majors. However, for a long time, it has lacked systematicity and standardization, exhibiting a degree of randomness and fragmentation. One of the purposes of publishing the "Film Analysis Series Tutorial" is to standardize and systematize the "Analysis of Classic Films" course across the entire university. In selecting film titles, it equally emphasizes the artistic value and historical significance of the films, as well as their originality, avant-garde nature, and contemporary relevance, possessing undeniable academic authority. In terms of the standardization of film analysis, it adopts the classic case study method to provide a comprehensive, in-depth, and unique interpretation of each film. It not only targets the thematic ideas and spiritual essence of the films but also highlights their artistic techniques and aesthetic concepts; it is both rigorous in dissecting elements and visionary in its overall grasp.
(3) Applicability, Practicality, and Accessibility
The "Film Analysis Series Tutorial" originates from the classroom of film and television arts education at Communication University of China. These courses have been tested by students and scholars over a long period, combining both academic authority and the lively, dynamic atmosphere of frontline university teaching. It is not only suitable for teaching in all film and television media-related majors but also serves as a textbook and reference book for media-related majors in universities across the country. With its standardized format, vivid writing style, and sincere sentiment, the "Film Analysis Series Tutorial" expresses the reverence and passion for film art of generations of film scholars. This quality also connects this academic work closely with a broad audience, especially dedicated film enthusiasts. Ordinary film lovers can not only find kindred spirits in the "Film Analysis Series Tutorial" but also enhance their cultural appreciation of film through studying it. We have every reason to believe that the "Film Analysis Series Tutorial" will not only appear on the desks of many students and scholars but also on the bedside of countless film lovers.
Finally, we extend our gratitude to all the experts and scholars who participated in the planning, editing, and writing of the "Film Analysis Series Tutorial." They have dedicated a set of outstanding works to China's film and television arts education and research.