Ostranenie

Definition

Ostranenie, often translated as 'defamiliarization', is a concept that involves presenting familiar objects or experiences in an unfamiliar way to provoke a fresh perspective. This technique encourages viewers to see the world anew, shaking off habitual perceptions and revealing deeper meanings. In the context of film, it can be used to challenge traditional narrative structures and aesthetic conventions, ultimately inviting audiences to engage with the film on a more profound level.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ostranenie was popularized by Russian formalists in the early 20th century as a means to alter perception and engage audiences more critically with art.
2. In film, techniques like unusual camera angles or disjointed editing can serve as forms of ostranenie, making viewers reconsider their understanding of narrative and reality.
3. The use of ostranenie can evoke emotional responses by highlighting contrasts and encouraging deeper contemplation of themes and motifs.
4. By employing ostranenie, filmmakers can challenge social norms and provoke discussions about cultural or political issues within their work.
5. This concept underlines the importance of perception in art, suggesting that how we see things shapes our understanding of reality itself.

Review Questions

• How does ostranenie function as a technique within formalist film theory, and why is it important for viewer engagement?
  • Ostranenie serves as a critical technique within formalist film theory by transforming ordinary elements into extraordinary experiences, prompting viewers to reevaluate their perceptions. By disrupting conventional narrative flows or visual styles, filmmakers can engage audiences in a more active viewing process. This technique is important because it encourages viewers to analyze the underlying meanings and assumptions present in the film rather than passively consuming content.
• Discuss how filmmakers use specific cinematic techniques to achieve ostranenie and what effects these techniques have on storytelling.
  • Filmmakers achieve ostranenie through various cinematic techniques such as unconventional editing styles, unusual camera angles, and sound design that deviates from norms. For instance, jump cuts can disrupt the narrative flow, while extreme close-ups can force attention onto specific details that would otherwise go unnoticed. These techniques not only alter the storytelling experience but also encourage viewers to critically assess what they are seeing, fostering a deeper emotional and intellectual engagement with the film.
• Evaluate the broader implications of ostranenie in contemporary cinema. How does this concept challenge traditional filmmaking practices?
  • The concept of ostranenie in contemporary cinema has significant implications as it challenges traditional filmmaking practices that prioritize straightforward narratives and audience comfort. By embracing defamiliarization, filmmakers can push boundaries, question societal norms, and provoke discussions around complex issues such as identity, politics, and culture. This challenge not only enriches the cinematic landscape but also reflects an evolving artistic expression that resonates with audiences seeking deeper connections with the media they consume.

Related terms

Defamiliarization: The process of making the familiar seem strange in order to enhance perception and understanding.

Formalist Film Theory: An approach that emphasizes the technical and aesthetic aspects of film, analyzing how these elements contribute to meaning.

Cinematic Techniques: Various methods used in film production, such as editing, camera angles, and sound design, that shape the viewing experience.