The concept of 'sensorial thought' formulated by Eisenstein to explain the logic of film discourse prompted him to engage in a rich dialogue with the Anthropology of his time, in particular with Lévy-Bruhl's formulation of how 'primitive mentality' operates. Eisenstein attempted to draw a parallel between cinematic language and the way in which primitive thought is manifested, arguing that both based on the principle of non-contradiction, on the idea of a simultaneity between 'self' and 'other,' and on metonymization as a way of intensifying sensorial experience. This sensorial thought produces a particular 'perspective,' an engagement between spectator and screen character. By drawing together Cinema and Anthropology, Eisenstein produces a powerful reflection on the concepts of image, alterity, perspective and the senses.
Eisenstein; image; alterity; perspective and sensorial thought