Image seeking truth. “metaphysical realism”as a form of phenomenological ontology in film Cover Image

Obraz szukający prawdy – „realizm metafizyczny” jako realizacja filmowej ontologii fenomenologicznej
Image seeking truth. “metaphysical realism”as a form of phenomenological ontology in film

Author(s): Joanna Sarbiewska
Subject(s): Theatre, Dance, Performing Arts
Published by: Instytut Sztuki Polskiej Akademii Nauk
Keywords: Sarbiewska; Joanna; Bazin André; Herzog Werner; Edmund Husserl’s phenomenological reduction; film image; phenomenological subject; ontology of reality; phenomenological ontology in film; metaphysical realism; dualism of subject and object;

Summary/Abstract: Sarbiewska considers the relation between the film image, phenomenological subject and the ontology of reality. She puts forward the notion of phenomenological ontology in film, which she calls “metaphysical realism”. The starting point for the proposed complex of meanings is, following André Bazin, the importance of ontological nature of film, which permits a very particular contact with reality. Using the notion of Edmund Husserl’s phenomenological reduction, Sarbiewska takes the film camera (a subjective act of perception), to be the equivalent of an act of pure, intentional awareness, that is directed towards revealing the “ineffable” essence of things (the truth of being). At the same time she emphasizes that the type of contemplative viewing, open in film vision, permits one to go beyond clear dualism of subject and object and that through per visibilia ad invisibilia leads the way for phenomenological intuition in film. In her analysis the author uses the work of Werner Herzog, and in particular the ontology and aesthetics contained in his films.

  • Issue Year: 2011
  • Issue No: 75-76
  • Page Range: 68-85
  • Page Count: 18
  • Language: Polish