The present paper attempts to explore the application of what is generally referred to as ‘LAP,’ the Lacanian-Althusserian Paradigm, in the area of film studies. I shall demonstrate the early examples of the parallel application of Lacanian and Althusserian theories to the analysis of the subject and subjectivity in the area of film theory with reference to its representation in cultural studies. This paper will also examine examples of those works that were highly critical of such application. Addressing the question of the position of the subject in relation to language and ideology as examined in contemporary film theory, my analysis focuses on those works that have applied both Lacanian and Althusserian theories of the subject to the same work of art. Focusing on the theoretical works and film readings done by Stephen Heath and Colin MacCabe, the present study shall also investigate the critiques of such readings. However, a major argument of the present seminar is that none of these models achieve a synthesis of the two theories, or arguably set out to do so. In outlining the various models this study also presents a literature review of the most well known theoretical positions that draw on both the Lacanian and Althusserian theorization of the subject in the areas of film studies.
