Remaking Home: Domestic Spaces in Argentine and Chilean Film, 2005-2015

In Argentine and Chilean films of the early 21st century, houses are not just backdrops for drama but are used to construct new, fragile common identities. This volume argues that domestic spaces are the medium through which new narratives, audiovisual techniques, and social configurations are experimented with, expanding the theoretical scope of studies in Latin American cinema.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2022
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press

In the vibrant Argentine and Chilean films of the early 21st century, houses emerge as far more than mere backdrops to the on-screen drama. They are not merely sanctuaries from political turmoil or sites of oppression. Rather, this volume contends that domestic spaces are the very mediums through which new, fragile common identities are constructed. The diverse documentary and fiction films analyzed herein, ranging from early works by Oscar-winner Sebastián Lelio to others, utilize the domestic sphere as a fertile ground for experimentation. These films explore narrative, audiovisual techniques, and social configurations, employing the home as a laboratory where filmmakers can test the boundaries of storytelling.

In contrast to previous scholarship that has concentrated on the social fragmentation and political disillusionment evident in contemporary film, this book posits that to fully comprehend the political agency of cinema, a departure from deconstructive critical approaches to Latin American culture is necessary. By forging new connections between the cultural critique of Nelly Richard, the work of Bruno Latour, and theories of new materialism, this book broadens the theoretical horizons of studies in Latin American cinema. It opens up fresh avenues for exploration, shedding light on the complex interplay between culture, politics, and the cinematic medium.

Through its meticulous analysis, this volume offers a profound understanding of the role that houses play in shaping the identities of individuals and communities in the Argentine and Chilean film industries. It challenges us to reevaluate our assumptions about the domestic sphere and its significance in constructing narratives that reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of Latin America. By delving into the intricate connections between the cultural, social, and political aspects of these films, this book provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of contemporary Latin American society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780822946908