The Anarchist Cinema
by James Newton
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Book Presentation:
This book examines the complex relationships that exist between anarchist theory and film. No longer hidden in obscure corners of cinematic culture, anarchy is a theme that has traversed arthouse, underground, and popular film. In The Anarchist Cinema, James Newton explores the notion that cinema is an inherently subversive space, establishes criteria for deeming a film anarchic, and examines the place of underground and DIY filmmaking within the wider context of the category. The author identifies subversive undercurrents in cinema and uses anarchist political theory as an interpretive framework to analyze filmmakers, genres, and the notion of cinema as an anarchic space.
Press Reviews:
"Confidently employing the definite article in the book title, the survey begins with the notion of the unruly, leading quickly to a succinct summary of anarchistic attitudes and tendencies as applied to the traditional objectives of subverting morals, good order and the institutions of state and church. The real discussion shifts between the three structural elements of the film industry – production, distribution/exhibition, and audience, examining the selected films that in whole or in part exhibit anarchist tendencies or traits admired by anarchists; cultish cinema of the 1930s and 50s predominates."
Leonardo
See the publisher website: Intellect Books
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