Looking Machine: Essays on Cinema, Anthropology and Documentary Filmmaking

The latest collection of essays by one of the world's leading ethnographic filmmakers and writers on cinema provides essential reading for students in cinema studies, filmmaking, and visual anthropology. It explores the history of documentary, how films evoke space, time, and physical sensations, and the intellectual and emotional links between filmmakers and their subjects. MacDougall defends the principles that inspired the earliest practitioners of documentary cinema and urges us to consider how the form can more accurately reflect the realities of our everyday lives, resisting self-censorship and ethnocentrism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 11 January 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This captivating collection of essays delves into the latest contemplations of one of the world's foremost ethnographic filmmakers and writers on cinema. It serves as a vital resource for students pursuing studies in cinema, filmmaking, and visual anthropology, offering invaluable insights into the rich tapestry of documentary filmmaking. Spanning a dozen diverse and thought-provoking essays, this publication grants readers a unique perspective into the historical evolution of documentary, the profound ways in which films evoke the essence of space, time, and physical sensations, and the profound intellectual and emotional connections that exist between filmmakers and their subjects.

In a world where reality television, historical re-enactments, and meticulously crafted packaging dominate the media landscape, MacDougall emerges as a steadfast advocate for the principles that fueled the early pioneers of documentary cinema. He implores us to contemplate how the form can be more authentically aligned with the realities of our daily lives. Drawing upon his extensive experience in filmmaking, he compellingly argues that this necessitates a resistance to the pressures of self-censorship and the inherent ethnocentrism prevalent in our society and the communities we document.

Through his essays, MacDougall invites us to explore the boundaries of documentary filmmaking and challenge the status quo. He encourages us to embrace the power of the medium to shed light on the unseen, to amplify marginalized voices, and to foster empathy and understanding across cultures. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and equitable cinematic landscape that reflects the rich diversity of our world.

In conclusion, this collection of essays by MacDougall is a testament to his profound insights and dedication to the art of documentary filmmaking. It serves as a valuable resource for students, scholars, and enthusiasts alike, offering a roadmap for navigating the complexities of this dynamic field and inspiring us to push the boundaries of creativity and social impact.

Weight: 518g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526134097