This book investigates the complex and often symbiotic relationship between the rise of cinema and the development of literary and artistic modernism in the early 20th century. David Trotter, drawing on his extensive background in modernist literature, examines how early film influenced and was influenced by the avant-garde movements of the period, exploring the shared aesthetic concerns and innovations that defined both art forms. The work posits that cinema was not merely a passive recipient of modernist ideas but an active participant in shaping the cultural and artistic landscape of its time.

This scholarly work is recognized for its in-depth exploration of the nascent relationship between cinema and modernist artistic movements. It is likely to be appreciated by academics and students of film studies, literary criticism, and art history for its detailed analysis and theoretical grounding. The book's focus on the reciprocal influence between these two influential cultural forces positions it as a significant contribution to understanding the broader context of early 20th-century artistic innovation.