Eye of the Taika: New Zealand Comedy and the Films of Taika Waititi

The first book-length study of comic film director and media celebrity Taika Waititi. Author Matthew Bannister analyses Waititi's feature films and places his other works and performances-short films, TV series, advertisements, music videos, and media appearances-in the fabric of popular culture.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 19 October 2021
Publisher: Wayne State University Press

Eye of the Taika: New Zealand Comedy and the Films of Taika Waititi is a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the comedic genius and media phenomenon Taika Waititi. Authored by Matthew Bannister, this book delves into Waititi's feature films, placing them within the broader context of popular culture. The central thesis of the book asserts that Waititi's playful comic style draws upon an ironic interpretation of New Zealand identity, as embodied by the Antipodean camp, a reflection of New Zealand's historical position as a colonial underdog.

The first four chapters of Eye of the Taika provide a comprehensive account of Waititi's early life, career, and the historical backdrop of New Zealand and its film industry. Bannister explores the undervaluation of local comedy in favor of more serious art forms, as well as the presence of ethnicity in New Zealand comedy. The book then delves into Waititi's filmography, beginning with his breakthrough film, Eagle vs. Shark (2007), which marked his entry into the realm of New Geek Cinema. Despite being an outsider within this genre, Waititi's unique comedic style shines through.

Bannister further examines Waititi's films, including Boy (2010), which delves into the comedic entertainer's journey before becoming a director. With What We Do in the Shadows (2014), Waititi explores the vampire as the archetypal immigrant struggling to fit into mainstream society, employing a mockumentary format. Hunt for the Wilderpeople (2016) is a family-friendly, rural-based romp that plays on and ironizes aspects of Aotearoa/New Zealand identity. Thor: Ragnarok (2017) catapulted Waititi into the Hollywood realm, introducing a Polynesian perspective on Western superhero ideology. Finally, Bannister addresses Jojo Rabbit (2019) as an anti-hate satire, raising questions about its quality versus its topicality and timeliness in Hollywood.

By examining Waititi's career and filmography, Eye of the Taika offers a profound understanding of his creative genius and the impact he has had on the world of comedy and film. This book is a must-read for fans of Waititi and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of comedy, identity, and cultural representation.

Weight: 333g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780814345320