Perspectives of Seduction Theory

The present volume defines the film theoretical approach of the Seduction Theory of Film, which fundamentally understands the medium of the narrative feature film as a complex system of seduction strategies. This approach refers to key concepts of continental philosophy, as well as tendencies of classical film theory. The method derived from the Seduction Theory combines strategies of classical, aesthetically based, hermeneutic film analysis with the terminology of psychoanalytic film theory and a sociological contextualization of the film. In a three-stage analysis model, various levels of seduction in the film are identified and argued in a building block manner. This approach has been tested on numerous film examples throughout film history. Cinematic seduction is a complex web of challenges that plunges us as an audience into an ethical and emotional roller coaster, but in analysis can lead to a consciousness-raising experience of ambivalence. The Seduction Theory of Film offers a methodological approach to capture this reception experience in analytical terms. Since this approach draws from different disciplines, especially art aesthetics and social sciences, the Seduction Theory can be seen in the context of a film culture analysis. However, this does not mean that the transfer of seduction theoretical approaches to other media would not be possible, especially those with a strong performative imprint.