Nikolai Izvolov's 'The Phenomenon of Cinema' Reinvigorates Russian Film Scholarship

Nikolai Izvolov's 2001 publication, 'The Phenomenon of Cinema: History and Theory,' stands out in the realm of Russian cinematic studies due to its even-handed methodology. A revised edition emerged in 2005. This text merges historical analysis with a phenomenological lens, concentrating on the silent and early sound eras of Russian and Soviet cinema. Izvolov examines notable figures such as Lev Kuleshov and Sergei Prokudin-Gorskii, alongside case studies featuring Aleksandr Medvedkin, Arsenii Avraamov, and Mikhail Tsekhanovskii. His approach intertwines historical context with theoretical frameworks, contrasting experimentation with established norms. The book also engages with the works of Noël Burch and Paolo Cherchi Usai, invigorating Russian film scholarship and promoting global dialogue.