Modern Film Dramaturgy: An Introduction

by Kerstin Stutterheim

What makes a good movie? How can one analyse a film accordingly without primarily interpreting it? Dramaturgy can enrich film understanding, for those who make films, as well as for those who want to understand better why they are made how. Film Dramaturgy supports the creative process of filmmaking, especially the work of the authors, directors and producers. Students and professionals who are involved in the creation of a film also benefit from this knowledge. The understanding of dramaturgy supports film analysis and film criticism too. In some regions of the world, dramaturgy is well established; in other parts, it is less familiar.

This book provides a basic introduction to modern film dramaturgy. It emerges from academic research drawn from professional practice. It addresses students, scholars, colleagues, filmmakers and all professionals involved in making films, videos, audio-visual time-based media productions.

212 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2019

Reviews

[Mike Gibas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes fascinating, sometimes illuminating, but also sometimes rambling. This is a great introduction to modern dramaturgy but I often felt the structure of the book to be too freewheeling and prone to digression. Not all of the chosen examples of specific devices were clear and at times it was obvious the best quotes were from other books and other research. That said, the author has pulled together a variety of impressive sources and has illuminated an area that is often not understood or, at worst, undervalued. I’m sure I will return to this book again many times as well as checking out many of the films it uses as subjects.