Strukturfilmtendenz

Strukturfilmtendenz refers to a concept within film theory and criticism that analyzes films not solely as narrative storytelling vehicles, but as structures that exhibit their own internal logic, patterns, and formal elements. This approach moves beyond simply interpreting plot or character to examine how the film is built, how its parts relate to each other, and how these structural aspects contribute to its meaning and impact on the viewer. Key aspects of Strukturfilmtendenz include the study of rhythm, repetition, montage, visual motifs, and the overall arrangement of cinematic components. It can involve identifying recurring formal devices, analyzing the manipulation of time and space within the film's construction, or exploring how the film's very structure generates a particular viewing experience. This perspective often draws from structuralist linguistics and semiotics, viewing the film as a system of signs and conventions that can be deconstructed and understood through its underlying organizational principles. Instead of asking "what is the film about?", a Strukturfilmtendenz analysis might ask "how is the film made?" and "what effect does its making have?". The focus is on the inherent properties of the cinematic form itself as a fundamental element of meaning-making, independent of or in conjunction with thematic content.