Appreciating the Art of the Filmmaker

Abstract This chapter compares modes of appreciating the filmmaker’s art. The approaches of those in disciplines and fields of study other than cinema are commented on. The nature of audience engagement (experiential, emotional, following the story) is seen as vital to the reader’s understanding of cinematic art. Aspects are discussed of the appreciation of the critic (informed opinion), film studies scholar (traditional and contemporary theories), film theorist, film historian (style), philosopher (continental—existentialism, phenomenology; analytic), psychologist (“character” as mimetic of the human psyche), sociologist (human and social world of a film, social commentary in film), and moralizer. “Correct” agendas are considered obstacles to the understanding of the filmmaker’s art, while the difference between liking a film and understanding its art is stated. The chapter notes the distinctive approach the book presents to its reader.