Phenomenology and the Virtual Reality Researcher-Critic

Abstract

This chapter presents the book’s main argument in favour of adopting an approach to the analysis of virtual reality (VR) influenced from the discipline of film phenomenology. In doing so, it advances the field of VR phenomenology. Recognising that film phenomenology has a long tradition in film studies and philosophy, the key purpose of the chapter is to identify the specific aspects of the methodology that can be fully adopted, or adapted, for a fruitful analysis of VR texts. First, the chapter outlines the key theoretical background of film phenomenology. Second, the chapter applies this theory to the specific instance of embodiment and VR. Third, the chapter undertakes a sustained close reading of a military-themed VR experience using the principles and methodology developed throughout the chapter. Thus, the chapter sets the stage for the other case studies later in the book while simultaneously demonstrating the value of the film phenomenology approach in its own right. By privileging the expert researcher–user’s subjective experience of a VR text, the chapter both argues and demonstrates that a substantially nuanced and innovative reading of the VR medium is possible.