Positioning Art Cinema: Film and Cultural Value

Art cinema is a diverse genre with various cultural values, and Geoff King's book offers a unique analysis of how these processes work, including the broader cultural basis of the appeal to particular audiences. It includes case studies of key figures such as Michael Haneke, Pedro Almodóvar, and Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 344 pages
Publication date: 27 January 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Art cinema is a diverse and complex genre that encompasses a wide range of films from around the world. It is often characterized by its harsh realism, modernist influences, and poetic style. However, its position in the film marketplace, critical reception, and academic analysis is complex and multifaceted. In this book, Geoff King offers a unique analysis of how art cinema is positioned and valued in the film industry. He argues that there is no single definition of art cinema, but rather a number of distinct and recurrent tendencies that can be identified. At one end of the spectrum, art cinema films are accorded the most "heavyweight status," offering the greatest challenges to viewers. These films often explore complex themes and issues, and require a high level of engagement from the audience. On the other hand, some art cinema films mix aspects of art cinema with more accessible dimensions, such as the use of popular genre frameworks and "exploitation elements" involving explicit sex and violence. This book includes case studies of key figures in art cinema, such as Michael Haneke, Pedro Almodóvar, and Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, who have made significant contributions to the genre. By examining these case studies, King provides insights into the cultural value of art cinema and the discourses through which its value is established. One of the key themes of the book is the relationship between art cinema and the broader cultural context. King argues that art cinema is often seen as a form of resistance to mainstream cinema, which is often characterized by its commercialism and formulaic storytelling. Art cinema, on the other hand, is seen as a more authentic and meaningful form of cinema that challenges the dominant cultural narratives. This resistance is often expressed through the use of experimental techniques, non-linear storytelling, and a focus on the human experience. However, King also notes that art cinema can be difficult to access and understand, particularly for audiences who are not familiar with its conventions and aesthetics. This can lead to a sense of elitism and exclusion, which can be detrimental to the genre's growth and popularity. To address this issue, King suggests that art cinema should be more accessible to a wider audience. This can be done through the use of digital distribution platforms, which allow films to be accessed from anywhere in the world, and through the promotion of art cinema through cultural institutions and festivals. In addition, King argues that art cinema should be more critically engaged with by critics and academics. This can be done through the development of new critical frameworks and the analysis of the genre's historical and cultural context. By doing so, art cinema can be seen as a valuable and important part of the film industry, rather than a niche or marginalized genre. Overall, Geoff King's book offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of art cinema's position and value in the film marketplace, critical reception, and academic analysis. By examining the case studies of key figures in the genre, King provides insights into the cultural value of art cinema and the discourses through which its value is established. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in the art cinema genre and its role in shaping contemporary cinema.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350260061