Overview

A philosophical exploration of how modern global cinema represents everyday means of resisting authoritarianism and totalitarianism VÁclav Havel’s concept of “living within the truth” in an authoritarian regime frames Marguerite La Caze’s readings of international cinema, highlighting forms of resistance in which seemingly pre- or nonpolitical aspects of life—such as professional labor, exile, and truth telling—can be recognized as political when seen against a backdrop of general acquiescence. La Caze’s case studies cross genres, historical eras, and national contexts: the apartheid regime in South Africa, in A Dry White Season; post-Suharto Indonesia, in The Look of Silence; 1980s East Germany, in Barbara; the Chilean military dictatorship, in No; contemporary Iran, in A Separation; and current-day Saudi Arabia, in Wadjda. This book explores the films’ use of image, sound, narrative, and character in dialogue with the work of Simone de Beauvoir, AimÉ Cesaire, Hannah Arendt, Sara Ahmed, and W. E. B. Du Bois to reveal how cinema depicts ordinary people enacting their own philosophies of defiance.

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9780810147454

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Reviews

Marguerite La Caze boldly and lucidly explores different variations on non-violence and its methods of resistance through film, navigating the diverse terrain of documentary and dramatic film, global political acts and their respective historical accounts. This is an excellent addition to the interrelated areas of politics and film-philosophy.”—Kelli Fuery, Chapman University   “Interweaving theory and philosophy through close analysis of a range of films in writing that is clear and engaging, La Caze brings to bear a multitude of perspectives and a range of compelling arguments, handling each with ease.”—Richard Rushton, Lancaster University

Author Information

Marguerite La Caze is an associate professor in the School of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry at the University of Queensland. Her previous books include The Analytic Imaginary, Wonder and Generosity: Their Role in Ethics and Politics,and Ethical Restoration after Communal Violence: The Grieving and the Unrepentant.

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