Refocus: The Films of Lucrecia Martel

Lucrecia Martel is a highly respected director who has made only four feature films, but her work is sensitive to the limits of sensory perception, gender roles, and social divisions. This edited collection broadens the critical conversation around her work by integrating analyses of her features with short films and other artistic projects.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Lucrecia Martel, a renowned director, has crafted only four feature films to date, yet her impact on the world of cinema is undeniable. Her work possesses an extraordinary sensitivity to the boundaries of sensory perception, the constraints imposed by gender roles, and the limitations of empathy and emotional connection across social divides. This edited collection seeks to expand the critical discourse surrounding Martel's oeuvre by incorporating comprehensive analyses of her feature films alongside the less explored short films and her other artistic endeavors. This volume adopts a fresh and holistic perspective on Martel's career, featuring contributions from scholars across Latin America, Europe, and the United States. The book concludes with a new interview with the director, providing valuable insights into her creative process and artistic vision.

Lucrecia Martel, a filmmaker whose work has garnered widespread acclaim, has created only four feature films to date. Despite this limited output, her impact on the world of cinema is profound. Her films are characterized by a remarkable sensitivity to the boundaries of sensory perception, the constraints imposed by gender roles, and the limitations of empathy and emotional connection across social divisions. This edited collection aims to broaden the critical conversation surrounding Martel's work by integrating comprehensive analyses of her feature films alongside the less explored short films and her other artistic endeavors.

The volume adopts a fresh and holistic perspective on Martel's career, drawing contributions from scholars across Latin America, Europe, and the United States. It begins by exploring the early influences and formative years of the director, shedding light on her background and the experiences that shaped her artistic vision.

In the subsequent chapters, the editors present in-depth analyses of Martel's feature films, delving into their themes, motifs, and artistic techniques. They examine how Martel challenges the boundaries of sensory perception, explores the complexities of gender roles, and explores the complexities of empathy and emotional connection across social divisions. The contributors also discuss the historical and cultural contexts in which Martel's films are produced, highlighting the ways in which they reflect and respond to the social and political realities of her native Argentina and beyond.

To further enhance the critical conversation, the volume includes contributions from scholars who specialize in various aspects of Martel's work. These scholars offer fresh perspectives and insights into the director's oeuvre, exploring her use of language, imagery, and sound, as well as her exploration of feminist and postcolonial themes. They also discuss the impact of Martel's films on audiences and the broader film industry, highlighting their ability to provoke thought and challenge conventional narratives.

In conclusion, this edited collection provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Lucrecia Martel's remarkable career. By integrating analyses of her feature films with her other artistic projects, it broadens the critical conversation surrounding her work. The volume's fresh and holistic approach offers valuable insights into Martel's creative process and artistic vision, making it an essential resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of contemporary cinema.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 155 x 234 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474485234