Digital humanities and film studies

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This book focuses on the quantitative methods of data mining and information visualization, particularly in relation to the works of Russian director Dziga Vertov. It draws on the ideas of early Russian formalists, who pioneered new ways to study and measure art, adapting these concepts for the digital age. A key question explored is how empirical data and statistical tools can support or challenge theoretical notions in film studies. The initial phase involves manual and computer-assisted annotation of Vertov's films, generating empirical data for statistical analysis and visualization development. This research also illuminates the visual presentation of time-based processes, a concept rooted in the formalist movement of the 1920s, which has gained renewed significance with advancements in technology and computer-assisted analysis of complex data sets. To fully grasp Vertov's contributions, a combination of data analysis, film-historical knowledge, and examination of primary sources is essential. Additionally, an understanding of the surviving film materials and historical film technology offers insights into the archival policies and political culture of the Soviet Union during the 1920s and 30s.