A Doubtful Handshake: The Promising Frontier of Data-Driven Film and Media Studies

The chapter explores the convergence of film and media studies with data-driven methodologies. The metaphor of a doubtful handshake represents the encounter between these fields, emphasizing mistrust and resistance. The chapter discusses historical attempts at data-driven film analysis and the tensions between quantitative and qualitative approaches. It focuses on contemporary datafication of audiovisual content and audiences, highlighting methods like content analysis, artificial intelligence, and social network analysis.