Psychoanalysis, Apparatus Theory, and Subjectivity
One of the aims of critical theories has been to reveal the systemic oppression that flows from the social structures of power, and critical theories have most typically turned to psychoanalysis to provide the theory for how these social structures work and reproduce themselves through the formation of their social subjects. Chapter 8 examines the influential film theory that derived from the intersection of semiotics, Marxism, and psychoanalysis called “apparatus theory.” This grand theory proved contentious but very influential, especially the concept of suture, which provided a model for film spectatorship and subjectivity. This chapter concludes with a section on neo-Lacanian theory and uses it to explicate the soundtrack theory of Michel Chion.