Robert GueDiguian

This book explores Robert Guédiguian's career, arguing that it is the result of an original and coherent project in contemporary French cinema to make a committed, historically-conscious cinema in a local space, over a long period of time, with friends. It traces the project from Guédiguian's hometown in Marseille to the political transformations of the 1980s Left and the local activism and utopias of the 1990s, and explores his varied explorations of genre and register.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 16 August 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Intervening at the crossroads of philosophy, politics, and cinema, this book presents a compelling argument that Robert Guédiguian's career is the result of one of the most original and coherent projects in contemporary French cinema. This project aims to create a committed, historically-conscious cinema in a local space, spanning a long period of time, and most importantly, with friends.

The account begins with an in-depth exploration of friendship and its intricate relationship with philosophy, politics, time, and space. It then chronologically traces the evolution of this project, starting in Guédiguian's hometown, Marseille, a city with a strong Communist leanings. The book unfolds through the political transformations of the 1980s Left and the local activism and utopias of the 1990s, eventually spreading into Guédiguian's diverse explorations of genre and register. Throughout the analysis, close attention is paid to the project's underlying radical and philosophically rich essence, which is contextualized with historical and social insights.

This book offers a unique perspective on the career of Robert Guédiguian, shedding light on his unwavering commitment to creating a cinema that is deeply rooted in history, while also being relevant to the present. It serves as a valuable contribution to the study of contemporary French cinema and provides a rich understanding of the complex interplay between philosophy, politics, and cinema.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526163974