Improvising Cinema

This spirited volume explores the history and diversity of improvisation in the cinema, including works by Jean Renoir, Jean-Luc Godard, and Nobuhiro Suwa. Gilles Mouëllic examines improvisational practices that can be specifically attributed to the cinema and argues in favors of their powers as instigators of unprecedented forms of expression. Improvising Cinema reflects both on the permanence of attempting improvisation and the relationship between technology and aesthetics. Mouëllic concludes preservation becomes even more invaluable in the case of improvisation, as the creative act exists only within the brief time span of the performance.

List of contents

Acknowledgements, Introduction, 1. Writing and improvisation, 2. Creation in action, 3. The influence of Jean Rouch, 4. Acting cinema, 5. The temptation of theatre, 6. The rules of the game, 7. Filming jazz, Conclusion, Notes, Bibliography, Index of names, Index of films

About the author

Gilles Mouëllic is professor of film studies and music and teaches film and jazz at the University of Rennes 2 in France.

Product details

• Authors: Gilles Mouëllic
• Publisher: Taylor and Francis
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Release: 01.12.2025
• EAN: 9781041181316
• ISBN: 978-1-041-18131-6
• No. of pages: 200
• Series: Film Culture in Transition
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History; Social sciences, law, business > Media, communication > Media science; History, Media Studies, ART / Film & Video, Humanities