Reflections regarding the study of artistic film as a historical document in western research

The film plays a significant role as a reflection of evolving societal trends and cultural mirrors. Our synthesis supports the idea that films, when analyzed within their context using historical research methods, can serve as historical sources. Analyzing films allows for an understanding of the specific context of the period, people’s way of life, and major social processes. Based on the works of Western researchers such as Siegfried Kracauer, Christian Metz, Gilles Deleuze, Laura Mulvey, Carol J. Clover, Marie Michel, David Bordwell and Kristin Tompson, this synthesis highlights various interdisciplinary approaches on how we can use the film as historical sources from different perspectives: film theory, psychoanalysis, semiotics, gender representations etc. Ultimately, we underscore the importance of perceiving films as historical documents and employing interdisciplinary methodologies to decipher their true meanings. Through such nuanced analyses, films not only provide glimpses into the past but also foster a comprehensive understanding of history.