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The anti‐geopolitical cinematic eye: Documentary film and critical geopolitics
Author(s) -
Holland Edward C.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
geography compass
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.587
H-Index - 65
ISSN - 1749-8198
DOI - 10.1111/gec3.12536
Subject(s) - geopolitics , ethos , interpretation (philosophy) , documentary film , sociology , media studies , aesthetics , art , political science , law , philosophy , linguistics , politics
This article considers documentary film as a format for critique and alternative viewings of the geopolitical. To do so, it reviews work in film studies on documentary film, emphasizing the theorization of the documentary ethos and the role of filmmakers in determining how documentaries depict reality. Identifying three points of consonance between documentary films and critical geopolitics, it reviews the geopolitical nature of many topical choices, the importance of authorial intent and creation, and the viewing of documentaries as texts whose interpretation is determined by their creators and viewers. The conclusion advocates for documentary film as a basis for a return to the consideration of format in critical geopolitics.