This book investigates the fundamental principles and artistic potential of the nascent medium of film. Hugo Münsterberg, a prominent philosopher and psychologist, applies his understanding of perception and psychology to analyze how cinema creates its unique effects. He examines the relationship between the camera's perspective and the viewer's experience, arguing that film is not merely a passive recording but an active art form that manipulates time and space to convey meaning and emotion.

Hugo Münsterberg's "The Film: A Psychological Study" is a foundational text in film theory, originally published in 1916. It is recognized for its early and insightful application of psychological principles to understand the medium's impact. Scholars continue to reference Münsterberg's work for its pioneering exploration of cinematic language and its effect on the viewer's mind.