A full understanding and appreciation of narrative film, George Wilson argues, requires a concept of point of view necessarily distinct from, yet comparable to, contemporary theories of point of view in prose fiction. Now available in paperback, Narration in Light lays the foundations for a new account of cinematic point of view. Focusing on the special ways in which a film controls the access of its viewers to the events that constitute its narrative, Wilson offers close viewings of five classic Hollywood movies: You Only Live Once, North by Northwest, Letter from an Unknown Woman, The Devil Is a Woman, and Rebel without a Cause. His enlightening and entertaining interpretations reveal surprising power and complexity in popular, major-studio films. Their point-of-view strategies allow them to present both obvious and oblique perspectives on their subjects, providing subtle critiques of ideology within conventional drama and narrative.

About the Author

George M. Wilson is professor of philosophy at the Johns Hopkins University and the author of The Intentionalisty of Human Action.

Reviews
As both theory and criticism [Wilson's] achievement in this book is substantial and important. -- Alexander Sesonske Film Quarterly



Book Information
ISBN 9780801837500
Author George M. Wilson
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Johns Hopkins University Press
Publisher Johns Hopkins University Press
Weight(grams) 386g