Faculty Publications

Persuading The Body: A Rhetoric Of Action In The Fugitive

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Western Journal of Communication

Volume

65

Issue

2

First Page

161

Last Page

183

Abstract

A rhetorical examination of The Fugitive as a “relationship movie” examines its persuasive use of action, which calls on the viewer's implicit physical knowledge and tacit awareness of kinesthetic significance, as well as symbolic interpretations of action within the narrative structure. The potential of cinematic forms to call forth physiological responses in an audience has not traditionally been considered a rhetorical dimension, but this contemporary action film illustrates the rhetorical role of communicative physicality. A complete description of the film's argument requires a theory of rhetoric that accounts for the integrated effects of perception, physiology, and cognition. Such theory offers insights into the rhetorical impact of film more generally, as well as a framework to consider the rhetorical significance of embodied communication. © 2001 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Department

Department of Management

Original Publication Date

6-1-2001

DOI of published version

10.1080/10570310109374698

Link to Full Text

Comments?

Share

COinS