Hugo Mnsterberg describes watching a film as a complex psychological experience. What,
according to him, is the nature of that experience? What does Nol Carroll think is the flaw in
Mnsterbergs argument? Is Carrolls critique convincing? Refer to the films screened & readings below.
Screening: The Musketeers of Pig Alley (D.W. Griffith, 1914, U.S.; 18 mins.)
Screening: Vertigo (Alfred Hitchcock, 1958, U.S.; 2 hrs., 8 mins.)
Reading: Hugo Mnsterberg. The Psychology of the Photoplay. Film Theory Reader,
pp. 49-56.
Reading: Carroll, Nol. Film/Mind Analogies: The Case of Hugo Mnsterberg. Film
Theory Reader, pp. 57-68
Reading: Marc Furstenau. Introduction: Film Theory A History of Debates. Film
Theory Reader, pp. 1-20.
Report should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words (doublespaced, normal 12-point font). You are expected to demonstrate your familiarity with and understanding of the readings assigned in this course, as well as your ability, on the basis of these, to analyse sequences from films that we have seen. Provide a critical summary and evaluation of the main argument of the assigned reading(s) and address the specific issues in the question you are answering. Your Report must include relevant quotations from the reading(s). The Reports are cumulative. That is, as we proceed in the course, you will be expected with each Report to refer to relevant readings and films from previous weeks. You will be evaluated according to your ability to synthesise and employ the material we will be covering, finding connections between themes and concepts, and using appropriate examples from films screened.
