Visual anthropology and the phenomenology of the gaze in cinema

Abstract

This study is devoted to the interplay between visual anthropology and the phenomenology of the gaze in cinema, emphasizing the viewer’s perception as an active participant in the cinematic experience. Contemporary visual technologies enhance the significance of subjective perception, while the phenomenological approach enables a deeper understanding of how cinematic images affect the spectator. The aim of this work is to analyse how cinematic means shape the perception of space, time, and corporeality. The research addresses aspects such as the influence of visual elements on the construction of cultural identities and the analysis of power perception through visual techniques. The methodology integrates phenomenology, visual analysis and anthropological approaches, providing a comprehensive examination of the subject. The originality of the study lies in its interdisciplinary approach to analyzing visual strategies in cinema and their impact on the perception of reality. The findings demonstrate that cinema not only reflects the world but actively participates in the formation of social norms and identities. The camera functions not as a passive instrument but as an active agent in the process of meaning-making. This research is useful for cinema practitioners, media educators and cultural scholars seeking a deeper understanding of visual practices and their influence on audiences.