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Film Theory I

Code 16622
Year 1
Semester S2
ECTS Credits 6
Workload OT(15H)/TP(45H)
Scientific area Cinema
Entry requirements Not applicable.
Learning outcomes 1. To determine the origins of cinema and its specificity as an art form.
2. To identify and conceptually master the main theories of cinema.
3. To present a critical reflection on the cinematographic phenomenon, creatively articulating a relationship between cinematographic theory and practice.

These objectives are achieved through classes that include lectures by the teacher, student participation with prior readings, and an oral presentation of a written work resulting from reading a book chapter and viewing films.
Syllabus 0. INTRODUCTION

Presentation of the historical evolution of film theory.

1. THE ART OF CINEMA

1.1 Genealogy of the cinematographic image. Notions of field, off-field, filmic space, and shot.
1.2 Optical visuality VS haptic visuality.
1.3 Sound: cinema was never silent. Sound cinema.

1.4 On the invention of the cinematograph and the supposed invention of cinema: Impressionism and painting, "the myth of total cinema," and "from the cinematograph to cinema."

2. STUDIES ON CINEMA

2.1 Theoretical paradigm of "silent" cinema: Formalism. Theoretical paradigm of "sound" cinema: realist theory.

2.2 Overcoming the realist and formalist paradigms. Gilles Deleuze: the movement-image, the time-image.

2.3 Writings on cinema by filmmakers.

2.5 A text/a film. Classroom presentations.

Main Bibliography ANDREW, J. Dudley (1976), The Major Film Theories: an introduction, London, Oxford University Press
AUMONT, J.et alii. (1983) A Estética do Filme, 2ª Ed., Papirus Editora [2002]
AUMONT, J. (1990), A Imagem, 8ª Ed., Papirus Editora [2004]
AUMONT, J. (2002) As Teorias dos Cineastas, Campinas, Papirus Editora, [2004]
BAZIN, A. (1975), O que é o Cinema?, Livros Horizonte, 1992
CASETTI, F. (1994), Teorías del Cine, Cátedra
ELSAESSER, T.s (1997), Early Cinema – Space, Frame, Narrative, BFI
ELSAESSER, T. & HAGENER, M. (2009), Film theory-an introduction through the senses, Routledge
KRACAUER, S. (1960), Theory of Film, The Redemption of Physical Reality, Princeton University Press [1997]
PASOLINI, P. P. (1972), Empirismo Hereje, Assírio & Alvim [1982]
STAM, R. (2000), Film theory – an introduction, Blackwell
TARKOVSKY, A. (1986), Sculping in Time, The Great Russian Filmmaker Discusses his Art, Austin, University of Texas Press [1998]
TUDOR, A. (1973), Teorias do Cinema, Edições 70 [1985]
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria 1) Written test. This will be for consultation purposes. 2) Presentation of a written assignment in class.
Language Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.
Last updated on: 2026-04-07

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