Shoe Reels

The History and Philosophy of Footwear in Film

Elizabeth Ezra editor Catherine Wheatley editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Edinburgh University Press

Published:25th Aug '22

Should be back in stock very soon

Shoe Reels cover

This book explores the intricate relationship between footwear and film, highlighting the cultural significance of shoes in various cinematic narratives. Shoe Reels offers a thoughtful analysis.

Examining the unique relationship between footwear and film, Shoe Reels delves into the imagery of shoes in cinema, exploring their narrative, aesthetic, and symbolic meanings. It raises important questions about why shoes leave a lasting impression and what their broader cultural implications might be. By analyzing various cinematic representations, the book underscores the significant role footwear plays in storytelling and character development.

Drawing on Martin Heidegger's interpretation of Vincent Van Gogh's painting A Pair of Peasant's Shoes, Shoe Reels suggests that shoes reveal profound truths about the individuals who wear them. This exploration is not limited to mere descriptions or technical details about shoes; rather, it emphasizes the power of visual storytelling in cinema to convey human experiences and emotions through the lens of footwear. The book highlights how shoes can serve as potent symbols that resonate with audiences, enhancing the narrative depth of films.

From iconic scenes featuring shoes, such as Chaplin's boots in The Gold Rush to Dorothy's ruby slippers in The Wizard of Oz, Shoe Reels examines the multifaceted roles shoes play in film. They act as character identifiers, plot devices, and even philosophical metaphors. This analysis draws from diverse fields, including Film Studies, Philosophy, Cultural History, and Fashion, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the significance of footwear in cinematic history.

As the word count of this review illustrates, Ezra and Wheatley’s abundant and compelling text brings together studies of dress, film, philosophy, fact and fiction. Suitable for a range of audiences, from the purely interested, to the academic scholar, this rich anthology will be an indispensable tool in explor-ing the widening parameters of cinematic studies. -- Dr Cheryl Roberts, Royal College of Art * Studies in Costume & Performance *
As the word count of this review illustrates, Ezra and Wheatley’s abundant and compelling text brings together studies of dress, film, philosophy, fact and fiction. Suitable for a range of audiences, from the purely interested, to the academic scholar, this rich anthology will be an indispensable tool in explor-ing the widening parameters of cinematic studies. -- Dr Cheryl Roberts, Royal College of Art, London * Studies in Costume & Performance *
This is a fascinating, almost microscopic, take on the materiality of things in cinema, which is all the more unique for considering the cultural significance of shoes (as well as their lack) on screen. -- Shelley Cobb, University of Southampton
This is a fascinating, almost microscopic, take on the materiality of things in cinema, which is all the more unique for considering the cultural significance of shoes (as well as their lack) on screen. -- Shelley Cobb, University of Southampton

ISBN: 9781474451413

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

320 pages