Conflict and Survival in Contemporary Western European Film

Liberal Western Europe's attempts to improve human rights, social equality, and political democracy have conflicted with countervailing tendencies, such as terrorism, economic downturn, and growing divisions over ethnicity, religion, and history. A new wave of refugees and immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa further split xenophobic, anti-Muslim nationalists from those who welcomed the non-European "Other". Europe is now undergoing the unexpected shock of a virulent pandemic that has spawned another round of economic devastation and socio-political unrest. Studying contemporary western European film uncovers how the cinema can reflect on and contribute to discourses of conflict and survival in the new century. Filmmakers have become activists who use their art to reflect on their times and to encourage their audiences to think critically about Europe's problems and potentials.

Format: Hardback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 16 February 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Over the past several decades, liberal Western Europe has made significant strides in improving human rights, social equality, and political democracy, but these efforts have been met with conflicting tendencies. The 2000s witnessed a range of challenges, including an increase in terrorism, economic downturns, and growing divisions over issues such as ethnicity, religion, and history. In the 2010s, a new wave of refugees and immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa further polarized xenophobic, anti-Muslim nationalists from those who welcomed the non-European "Other."

Now, Europe is facing an unexpected shock with the outbreak of a virulent pandemic that has caused further economic devastation and socio-political unrest.

Studying contemporary Western European film offers a unique lens through which to explore how the cinema can reflect on and contribute to discourses of conflict and survival in the new century. This edited collection aims to uncover the ways in which Western European filmmakers have taken it upon themselves to represent and interrogate this new era of uncertainty and to implicitly pose the broadly political question of "whither Europe?"

The chapters in this collection demonstrate a comprehensive theoretical and methodological understanding of filmmakers as thinking citizen-artists who are directly involved in their society's discussions of the past, present, and future. Far from merely "reflecting" their times, filmmakers have become activists who use their art to reflect on their times and to encourage their audiences to think critically about Europe's problems and potentials.

Through their films, Western European filmmakers have explored a range of themes related to conflict and survival, including the impact of globalization, the rise of populism, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. They have used their art to challenge dominant narratives and to promote empathy and understanding across different cultures and backgrounds.

One notable example is the film "The Lives of Others," which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 2006. This German drama tells the story of Stasi agent Gerd Wiesler, who is assigned to spy on playwright Georg Dreyman, a celebrated East German playwright. Wiesler's mission is to uncover Dreyman's political activities and to prevent him from subverting the East German government.

Through his interactions with Dreyman, Wiesler becomes increasingly aware of the moral and ethical dilemmas that come with his work. He questions the legitimacy of the surveillance state and the extent to which it can be used to control and manipulate individuals. The film also explores the power of art and literature to resist oppression and to promote social change.

Another example is the film "The Square," which was directed by Jehane Noujaim and won the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film in 2013. This Egyptian drama tells the story of a young man named Tarek, who becomes involved in a political protest against the Egyptian government. Tarek's activism leads to his arrest and imprisonment, but he continues to advocate for social justice and democracy.

The film explores the complexities of political activism and the challenges faced by those who seek to bring about change in societies that are often resistant to reform. It also raises important questions about the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the responsibility of individuals to challenge dominant narratives.

In conclusion, studying contemporary Western European film offers a valuable insight into how the cinema can reflect on and contribute to discourses of conflict and survival in the new century. The films in this collection demonstrate a broad theoretical and methodological understanding of filmmakers as thinking citizen-artists who are directly involved in their society's discussions of the past, present, and future. Through their art, filmmakers have become activists who use their work to challenge dominant narratives, promote empathy and understanding, and advocate for social change. As we navigate the challenges of the new century, the insights and perspectives offered by these films will continue to be relevant and important.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538158982