Rethinking Brechtian Film Theory and Cinema

Abstract

A comprehensive re-examination of Brechtian film theory Offers the first full‐length study on Brechtian film theory and cinema dedicated to connecting Brecht's writings with classical film theory, contemporary film theory and German Media Theory Seeks to connect theory with practice so as to identify the ways the dialectic works within the film object Investigates Brechtian cinema with reference to a variety of filmmakers who share aesthetic and cultural differences, but also similarities in their employment of the dialectical method Making a compelling argument for the continuing relevance of Brechtian film theory and cinema, this book offers new research and analysis of Brecht the film and media theorist, placing his scattered writings on the subject within the lively film theory debates that took place in Europe between the 1920s‐1960s. Furthermore, Angelos Koutsourakis identifies key points of convergence between Brecht’s ‘unfinished project’ and contemporary film and media theory. With case studies of films ranging from Robert Roberto Rossellini’s Paisà to Bernardo Bertolucci’s 1900 and Joshua Oppenheimer’s The Act of Killing amongst others, this study challenges many existing preconceptions about Brecht’s theoretical position and invites readers to discover new ways of apprehending and making use of Brecht in film studies.