Andrew Klevan

This essay explains Ordinary Language Philosophy, because it is relatively unfamiliar to those working in the field of Film-Philosophy, and proposes it as beneficial to film study. OLP provides us with a method of philosophising in relation to films that is not theoretical, paradigmatic or thematic, and is therefore potentially unrestrained because it is not a priori or determining; that is context sensitive, proceeding on a case-by-case basis, while also capable of synoptic overview ; that encourages conceptual clarification and responsive articulation in order to present a perspicacious picture of individual films and our experience of them; and that can act therapeutically by uncoupling us from unhelpful linguistic attachments that may restrict, helping us to see anew.

Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo skilfully continues to stimulate different views of it – hence the volume of writing – different ways of viewing it, different ways of being a viewer of it . One purpose of the piece is to provide a little caution to those students coming to study Vertigo , and Spectatorship, for the first time: not to presume that the film, and by association any film, has one type of spectator. It is through examining various responses to it – rather than presenting one view of it – that we can see perspicaciously that Vertigo has a special capacity for teaching us about the complexity of film spectatorship. This is possibly because Vertigo is so concerned to make the act of viewing an active part of viewing it

The Language and Style of Film Criticism brings together original essays from an international range of academics and film critics highlighting the achievements, complexities and potential of film criticism. In recent years, in contrast to the theoretical, historical and cultural study of film, film criticism has been relatively marginalised, especially within the academy. This book highlights the distinctiveness of film criticism and addresses ways in which it can take a more central place within the academy and develop in dynamic ways outside it. The Language and Style of Film Criticism is essential reading for academics, teachers, students and journalists who wish to understand and appreciate the language and style of film criticism.