By Paul Schrader.
Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 1972.
For print version locations, see the
UofT Library Catalogue.
A seminal text, totally unique in its concern with aesthetics. Examination of films by Ozu, Bresson and Dreyer reveals certain formal properties – “austerity and asceticism” – best suited for expressing the spiritual. Dated somewhat by its tendency to distinguish too neatly between sacred and profane; otherwise a good place to start exploring the neglected role of style in the film-faith dialogue.