Cinematic representation and causality : a critical analysis

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the issue of cinematic representation and how the main theories in the field are based upon a weak causal assumption. In the paper I first focus upon the issue of causality in general - expounding the ideas of Aristotle, Hume, Kant and Nietzsche respectively. By doing so, it shall become clear that causality is not a necessary precondition of the world. After this, I turn my focus to film theory and the multiple proposed theories which attempt to account for the issue of cinematic representation i.e. cinematic perception. Finally, following Richard Allen, I borrow from the philosophy of the later Wittgenstein, to show that film theorists, who focus upon cinematic representation, should not assume causality to be necessary. Such an assumption leads to weak theories.