Memories of Underdevelopment: Memorias del Subdesarrollo

Tomás Gutiérrez Aleas' Memories of Underdevelopment (1968) is a classic of Cuban revolutionary culture, hailed as a prime example of Latin American "new cinema". Darlene J. Sadlier's study places the film in its historical context, considering how Cuban political history affected its production, particularly its use of archival footage. She analyzes the film as an adaptation of Edmundo Desnoess' novel, exploring how the novel is "re-written" in significant ways by the film. Sadlier focuses on the unique style of the film, particularly the use of voiceover, music, and documentary footage, to show how the themes of ennui, isolation, writing, and remembering are depicted. She highlights the film's lasting impact and its role in defining Latin American "new cinema".

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 104 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Tomás Gutiérrez Aleas' Memories of Underdevelopment (1968) stands as a timeless masterpiece of Cuban revolutionary culture, celebrated as a pioneering exemplar of a radical filmmaking style that gained international recognition as Latin American "new cinema" during the vibrant 1960s. In her comprehensive study, Darlene J. Sadliers offers a fresh perspective on this widely discussed film, delving into its historical context while exploring how Cuban political history shaped its production, particularly in its utilization of archival footage. Sadlier's analysis contextualizes the film within its historical setting, examining how Cuban political events influenced and informed its narrative, particularly in the way it employed archival material. She delves into the film's adaptation of Edmundo Desnoess novel Memorias del subdesarrollo (1965), highlighting how the film rewrites the novel in significant ways.

Sadlier further analyzes the film's intriguing opening scene, which features Afro-Cubans dancing to the "new" music of Pello del Afrokán. She argues that this opening scene sets the stage for the film's exploration of both class and race. Sadlier's attention then shifts to the film's unique style, particularly its use of voiceover, music, and documentary footage to depict themes of ennui, isolation, writing, and remembering. By highlighting these stylistic elements, she underscores the film's lasting impact and its pivotal role in shaping Latin American "new cinema."

Dimension: 190 x 135 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839024979