Looking Beyond Neoliberalism: French and Francophone Belgian Cinema and the Crisis

Looking Beyond Neoliberalism examines cinema's response to the economic crisis, exploring subjectivity, identity construction, and alternative economies and identities. It offers valuable insights into political cinema and its role in challenging neoliberalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Looking Beyond Neoliberalism: Exploring Cinema's Response to the Economic Crisis
Cinema has been a powerful medium for exploring the economic crisis that emerged in 2008 and continues to shape our politics and societies. In his book, "Looking Beyond Neoliberalism: Exploring Cinema's Response to the Economic Crisis," O'Shaughnessy brings French and francophone Belgian films into dialogue with carefully selected theories to develop insights and an analytical framework that will become important resources for other scholars of contemporary cinema.

One of the key themes of the book is the capacity of cinema to register mutations in subjectivity, the material grounds for identity construction, and the machinic dimension of neoliberal subjection. O'Shaughnessy argues that cinema has the ability to capture the complex and multifaceted nature of these transformations, providing a unique perspective on the ways in which neoliberalism has shaped our world.

The book also explores cinema's capacity to imagine alternative economies and identities and an exit from neoliberal labour. O'Shaughnessy suggests that cinema can offer a means of resistance and critique, providing a platform for marginalized voices and challenging dominant narratives. By engaging with cinemas response to neoliberalism in crisis, the book provides a valuable contribution to the field of political cinema.

One of the strengths of the book is its interdisciplinary approach. O'Shaughnessy draws on a range of theoretical perspectives, including postcolonial theory, feminist theory, and critical theory, to analyze the ways in which cinema has responded to the economic crisis. This approach allows for a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between cinema and neoliberalism.

Another strength of the book is its focus on French and francophone Belgian films. O'Shaughnessy argues that these films offer a unique perspective on the economic crisis, as they are often produced in a context of economic inequality and social exclusion. By examining these films, O'Shaughnessy is able to highlight the ways in which cinema can challenge dominant narratives and promote social change.

However, the book also has some limitations. One of the main criticisms is that it can be quite dense and difficult to read. O'Shaughnessy's writing style is often complex and theoretical, and it can be challenging for readers who are not familiar with the theoretical frameworks that he discusses. This can make it difficult for readers to engage with the book's arguments and to apply them to their own work.

Despite these limitations, "Looking Beyond Neoliberalism: Exploring Cinema's Response to the Economic Crisis" is a valuable contribution to the field of political cinema. O'Shaughnessy's insights and analytical framework will be of interest to scholars and students of contemporary cinema, and his focus on French and francophone Belgian films provides a unique perspective on the economic crisis.

In conclusion, "Looking Beyond Neoliberalism: Exploring Cinema's Response to the Economic Crisis" is a valuable book that explores cinema's capacity to register mutations in subjectivity, the material grounds for identity construction, and the machinic dimension of neoliberal subjection. By bringing French and francophone Belgian films into dialogue with carefully selected theories, O'Shaughnessy develops insights and an analytical framework that will become important resources for other scholars of contemporary cinema. While the book has some limitations, it is a valuable contribution to the field of political cinema and will be of interest to scholars and students of contemporary cinema.

Weight: 352g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474448635