Tom Gunning

Tom Gunning is a prominent American film historian and theorist, best known for his work on early cinema and the concept of the cinema of attractions. He is a professor in the Department of Cinema and Media Studies at the University of Chicago.

Early Life and Education

Tom Gunning was born in New York City. He completed his undergraduate studies at Columbia University, where he developed an interest in film history and theory. He later earned his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he focused on early cinema and the development of film language.

Career

Gunning's academic career began at the University of Chicago, where he has been a faculty member for several decades. His research primarily focuses on early cinema, avant-garde film, and the relationship between cinema and modernity. He has published numerous articles and books on these subjects, contributing significantly to the field of film studies.

Cinema of Attractions

One of Gunning's most influential contributions to film theory is the concept of the cinema of attractions. This term describes a style of filmmaking prevalent in the early years of cinema, characterized by its emphasis on spectacle and direct address to the audience, rather than narrative storytelling. Gunning argues that this mode of filmmaking was dominant from the invention of cinema in the 1890s until around 1906, when narrative cinema began to take precedence.

Major Works

Gunning has authored and co-authored several important works in film studies, including:

• D.W. Griffith and the Origins of American Narrative Film: The Early Years at Biograph - This book examines the early work of D.W. Griffith and his role in the development of narrative cinema.
• The Films of Fritz Lang: Allegories of Vision and Modernity - A comprehensive study of the films of Fritz Lang, exploring themes of vision, modernity, and the role of the spectator.

Influence and Legacy

Gunning's work has had a profound impact on the field of film studies, particularly in the areas of early cinema and film theory. His concept of the cinema of attractions has been widely adopted and expanded upon by other scholars. Gunning continues to teach and conduct research, influencing new generations of film scholars.

See Also

• Film theory
• Early cinema
• Avant-garde film
• University of Chicago
• D.W. Griffith
• Fritz Lang