What’s My CINEs, or I Have CINEd Against You
Many people ask me all the time “what is Cinema Studies?” My response is as simple as the name says, the study of cinema (or “film” as most people like to refer to). Some people still remain skeptic. I tell them then, “think of it as an English degree, but the emphasis is on films as opposed to works of literature.” This is when their eyes light up, and it makes sense. I write about films. It’s more than that. Studying film history is also a study of culture. Also learning terminology, theories, and watching periods of films while contextualizing the text with said theories. It’s been quite the learning experience. I’ve never thought of or viewed films in the way I do now.
When I write papers on films I’m making arguments based on theory(ies) and what’s in the film. For example I once argued that a couple films addressed what it means to be human. This is a topic that has come up in several times within my papers. On my blog the doppelganger has appeared as one of my main interests. I note these because when writing out favorite topics and themes emerge. This really helps me too understand who I am as a writer. Its certainly worth the effort of discovery. Sometimes we have to listen to ourselves and actively access our skills.
Another familiar topic of mine is the theory of psychoanalysis. I’ve read information based on Freud, Lacan, and Jung. All three are great, and can be taken separately. Psychoanalysis theory also informs feminist film theory, gender studies, and queer theory. I’m learning more and more to appreciate the narrative, and the narrative structure, which is also part of film form. Film form is how we address the films we watch and discuss. I hope to look at other theories more and more to used them better. For example, I like elements of Structuralism, post-modernism, should read more on deconstructionism, and reception theory. I need to know more on multiculturalism as well.
Back To Black, or What’s Wrong With My Head?
Did I ever mention how difficult I thought it would be “the Black Cinema Studies” major? This is me thinking that I’m expected to exclusively write write Black themes/issues in my papers. My professors never stated nor did they imply this at all. I was so darned adamant about not being the go to guy for such reactions. Why? This stems from way back as an undergrad artist and being told that its expected of me to paint about themes that relate exclusively to being a person of color. Why I’m all about themes, in some ways I felt put upon, that I was predestined to do only one thing and address only some issues when life encompasses so much more. Perhaps back them I looked at things with a limited point of view. Also I loved being rebellious. When i drew and painted, my figures were colored every color but natural colors. Perhaps that was psychological. I processed this information, like so many other things at the time, poorly.
Now that I’m older and wiser, I need to peel back my own layers and accept a few things. Being a person of color does not limit me. Nor does it limit my expectations of the world. In studying films I’ve seen some pretty racist imagery and representation. Yes, I was offended at times, but I’m also empowered because I know that’s not me on the screen. In many cases, it was poor representation then and now. In many cases the imagery NEEDS to be discussed and contextualized. Addressing the image of the ignorant, buffoonery, and plain out racist image is more than worthy of discussion, it has been lacking, in my opinion. Can I write about it? Yes, I can with every bit of integrity as I give all my research papers. Will it be the ONLY topic of discussion you see from me? Absolutely not. It was a mistake on my part to assume this is all I could bring to the table. Just know there is a lot more for all us us to bring to the table.
Any of you who have ever read my blog posts know I love a variety of topics and the reoccurring topics include psychoanalysis and doppelgangers. It is clear that I never allowed people to limit me. I limited myself. Also it pays to listen, digest, and make your own determinations when it comes to self and world representation. I have yet to meet a Cinema Studies major who is exclusively “one way” in my program. My professors should be proud.
