Film

Film series : Spectacular films

Wednesday, 14/06/2023 / 08:00 PM / University of Freiburg - Institute of Biology II/III: Large Lecture Hall of Biology (GHS)

Rain or shine

Film series : Spectacular films Wed 17.05.2023, 20:00 Nope Wed 05/24/2023, 20:00 Mulholland Drive Wed 07.06.2023, 20:00 The Truman Show Wed 06/14/2023, 20:00 Fight Club

This film series will explore the relationship between the "spectacle" and the film industry. The term is borrowed from the "society of the spectacle" and was first used by French Marxist Guy Debord in his 1967 book, The Society of the Spectacle. In this work, Debord argues that modern society is characterized by the commodification of experience, the replacement of reality with representations, and the domination of spectacle (or the visual representation of reality) over everyday life. In this context, film can also be seen as a product and reflection of the society of the spectacle. The commercialization of the film industry can be seen as an example of the commercialization of experience. However, films always simultaneously show a representation of reality. While films can be seen as both a product and reflection of the society of the spectacle, they also have the potential to challenge and subvert dominant cultural narratives. "Nope" by Jordan Peele asks us to question the extent to which we ourselves are responsible for creating the spectacle. "Mulholland Drive" shows us the world of Hollywood from the inside out, arguably the world's most famous, highest-paid but also most terrifying specacle. In "Truman Show" we, as viewers, are allowed to participate in the spectacle ourselves... or are we, as viewers, already the spectacle ourselves? The series ends with Fight Club, which specifically criticizes our commodity society and points out the longing for "true experience" instead of spectacle.