Siegfried Kracauer's classic study, originally published in 1960, explores the distinctive qualities of the cinematic medium. The book takes its place alongside works in classical film theory by such figures as Bela Balazs, Rudolf Arnheim, and Andre Bazin, among others, and has met with much critical dispute. In this new edition, Miriam Bratu Hansen, examining the book in the context of Kracauer's extensive film criticism from the 1920s, provides a framework for appreciating the significance of Theory of Film for contemporary film theory.
IntroductionPrefaceAcknowledgmentsIntroduction1Photography32Basic Concepts273The Establishment of Physical Existence414Inherent Affinities605History and Fantasy776Remarks on the Actor937Dialogue and Sound1028Music1339The Spectator15710Experimental film17511The Film of Fact19312The Theatrical Story21513Interlude: Film and Novel23214The Found Story and the Episode24515Matters of Content26216Film in Our Time285Notes313Bibliography339Index351
