Does film obey the laws of the mind? - Munsterberg, cognitivism and the films of Hussain Haniff / Norman Yusoff

Yusoff, Norman (2007) Does film obey the laws of the mind? - Munsterberg, cognitivism and the films of Hussain Haniff / Norman Yusoff. Jurnal Skrin Malaysia, 4. pp. 31-56. ISSN 1823-1020

Abstract

This essay attempts at exposing Munsterberg's argument for the unique properties of cinema by focusing on the psychological responses of the viewer and on the aesthetic properties of film as a mental creation. The discussion seeks to examine the persuasiveness of Munsterberg's argument that "the photoplay obeys the laws of the mind rather than those of the outer world," for Munsterberg attempted at analogizing the cinematic devices to mental processes. In alignment with the paradigm shift in contemporary film theory (and academic film studies, in general), the essay will draw in connections with other film theorists in a manner that complements Munsterberg's arguments, as well as cognitive film theory. The second strand of my discussion entails analysis of Hussain Haniff's stylistic approaches to which Munsterberg's arguments are applied. This is to ascertain the relevance of Munsterberg's arguments which were put forth during the silent film era in relation to the study of Malay films directed by Hussain Haniff. Indeed, the films of Hussain Haniff have been widely acknowledged for accentuating cinematic styles which distinguish themselves from most films of the (studio) era.

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Item Type: Article
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Yusoff, Norman
UNSPECIFIED
Subjects: P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) > Motion pictures > Motion picture industry > Malaysia
Divisions: Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam > Faculty of Film, Theatre and Animation
Journal or Publication Title: Jurnal Skrin Malaysia
UiTM Journal Collections: Others > Jurnal Skrin Malaysia
ISSN: 1823-1020
Volume: 4
Page Range: pp. 31-56
Keywords: Malay films
Date: 2007
URI: https://ir.uitm.edu.my/id/eprint/11613
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