Understanding Cinema
A Psychological Theory of Moving Imagery

First published in 2003, Understanding Cinema analyzes the moving imagery of film and television from a psychological perspective.

Per Persson (Author)

9780521813280, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 28 July 2003

296 pages, 44 b/w illus. 6 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.1 cm, 0.61 kg

Understanding Cinema, first published in 2003, analyzes the moving imagery of film and television from a psychological perspective. Per Persson argues that spectators perceive, think, apply knowledge, infer, interpret, feel and make use of knowledge, assumptions, expectations and prejudices when viewing and making sense of film. Drawing psychology and anthropology, he explains how close-ups, editing conventions, character psychology and other cinematic techniques work, and how and why they affect the spectator. This study integrates psychological and culturalist approaches to meanings and reception. Anchoring the discussion in concrete examples from early and contemporary cinema, Understanding Cinema also analyzes the design of cinema conventions and their stylistic transformations through the evolution of film.

1. Understanding and dispositions
2. Understanding POV editing
3. Variable framing and personal space
4. Character psychology and mental attribution
5. The case for a psychological theory of cinema.

Subject Areas: Film theory & criticism [APFA]