Trends and structures in film criticism research: A bibliometric review of scientific literature

Abstract

Background: Film criticism, as a foundational practice in film studies, plays a crucial role in shaping both cultural discourse and academic inquiry. Despite its significance, a comprehensive, large-scale overview of its scholarly evolution has been lacking. Purpose: This study addresses this gap by evaluating the literature on cinema criticism, aiming to map its intellectual structure, identify key research trends, and highlight knowledge gaps, thereby providing a roadmap for the future growth of film studies. Methods: Using a quantitative bibliometric methodology, the research analyzes a corpus of 129 papers from 85 unique sources, spanning nearly five decades (1975–2023) and extracted from the Scopus database. The findings reveal an annual growth rate of 2.93%, with a notable spike in publications in 2011. Results: The intellectual network is characterized by concentrated power, with key contributors such as Klevan A., prominent institutions like the University of Oxford, and influential journals like Film Criticism. Structurally, solo-authored scholarship dominates the field, while thematically, there is a shift towards computational approaches. Conclusion: Cinema criticism has evolved into a robust and mature discipline, marked by densely concentrated intellectual hubs and an increasing diversity in methodologies. Implications: The review provides an essential intellectual map for scholars, identifying foundational works, key contributors, and thematic trajectories. It also underscores the need for greater research collaboration to counteract the dominant solitary model. Additionally, it highlights the importance of exploring the intersection between traditional critique and digital humanities, offering clear directions for advancing film studies research in the digital era