I recently read Florian Grandena's book review on Carrie Tarr (2005) Reframing Difference: Beur and Banlieue Filmmaking in France. It is a collection of essays gathered together to present the author's analysis and discussion of this contemporary cinematic trend. The main point is to "assess" the contribution of filmmaking in debates about, and she says, in resistance to, France's changing identity as a plural, multi-ethnic society." One important in these films, according to the author, is "their incapacity to represent beurs in an empowering manner to a beur audience. Not sure of what exactly this term meant, I looked it up. "Beur is a French term for descendants of immigrants of North African origin living in France.
I found this article hard to grasp. It discussed a culture I am not, myself, familiar with. For that reason it was hard for me to make a connection.
Secondly, I read "It Is What It Is," by Jennifer Cecconi, discussing Lynch on Lynch: Revised Edition. This book is part of the directors talking about directors book series. It showcases interviews and dialogues from various filmmakers. This revised addition brings back up-to-date information and filmography to the table. Most of the book is structured in a question and answer format, sort of like an interview. The book also has some very memoir-like elements, as it is densely made up of David Lynch's memories and thoughts.
I enjoy this type of books most often, because with this setting for the director to free his mind, it allows us readers to get further inside of the real artists. Of course it's nice to see or watch and interview, but it is much more critical when the artist has time to sit down and write out, ultimately saying, what he really wants and means to say about himself, his work, and his life.
"Lynch's films say a lot regarding the notion of self and personal identity. As a filmmaker, Lynch provides us with some very interesting anecdotes of his experiences making these films..."
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Tyler -
Sorry you couldn't connect with the article you selected. (One of your classmates also wrote about that book - I think it was reviewed in a different publication. Will pass on the link to that blog.)
My question would be: if you couldn't connect to the article, why did you select it to write about then? I want to hear from you, hear your thoughts, in these blogs and this sort of post doesn't reveal any of your thinking about, or of your exploring of, or even your curiosity about, contemporary media. If that article won't allow you to fulfill this assignment, drop it! Choose another one.
Again - why did you select this publication? What was your interest?
As for the post on the Lynch book, your comments are very general, remain on the surface - or outside the covers - of the book under review. The quote about Lynch - is that from the review? the book? where? - is a good start for your writing. What does the writer say about Lynch and identity? Do you agree? What does Lynch say? Are you interested in Lynch's films? Why did you select this article?
Tyler - I need more engagement here. Post about articles you have read _and_ connected with, as you are not telling me much so far - either about the work under consideration, or, as importantly, your thinking about the material you are reading.
Get back tome with questions but I look forward to more commitment to the writing and exploring in your next post.
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