Description
Cinematic Howling presents a refreshingly unorthodox
framework for feminist film studies. Instead of criticizing mainstream
movies from feminist perspectives, Hoi Cheu focuses on women’s
filmmaking itself. Integrating systems theory and feminist aesthetics
in his close readings of films and screenplays by women, he considers
how women engage the process of storytelling in cinema. The importance
of these films, he argues, is not merely that they reflect
women’s perceptions, but that they have the power to reframe
experiences and, consequently, to transform life.
A major contribution to feminist scholarship that will appeal to
scholars of both gender and film, Cinematic Howling is written
in an approachable and inviting style, full of vivid examples and
attention to detail, which will suit both undergraduate and graduate
courses in gender, film, and cultural studies.
Reviews
What a pleasant surprise that Cinematic Howling: Women’s Films, Women’s Film Theories, a new book for film and cultural studies, has all the elements of a good story with its unconventional title, engaging first person narrative and refreshing writing style! Yet Cinematic Howling is much more than a story about women’s films and feminist theory - it is an innovative theoretical work about gender identity and transnational culture with close readings that focus on the importance of storytelling in selected films by women filmmakers. ... Cheu has written an intriguing academic reference on women filmmakers....Cinematic Howling will prove very useful for feminist film analysis and cultural studies at the undergraduate and graduate levels. While the author of Cinematic Howling reminds us that there are many voices involved in the field of women’s films, some of these voices might need more room for expression in film studies classes, alongside Cheu’s thoughtful book.
- Judith Plessis