what is the cinema condition?
- Mico Rivera
- Nov 21, 2023
- 17 min read
The cinema condition is a multifaceted concept that delves into the essence of what it means to be a film—encompassing the cinematic elements that provide us with the equipment for living.
In this entry, we explore:
Film inherently transcends itself as mere entertainment by acting as a critical tool for personal and societal understanding, reflection, and transformation. Its narrative power, symbolic richness, and capacity to influence and document make it an essential element in the repertoire of human communication and expression.
The cinema condition argues that film transcends itself in the following ways:
Reflective Mirror of Society: Film is a medium that reflects societal values, norms, conflicts, and transformations. By portraying various aspects of life, film can serve as a critical mirror that allows viewers to reflect on and understand their own society and its dynamics.
Narrative as Guidance: Films provide narratives that help people make sense of their own experiences. Films often present stories that deal with universal themes such as love, loss, conflict, and redemption, offering viewers frameworks to interpret their own life events.
Symbolic Interaction and Identification: Films are rich in symbolic content, and are a powerful means of conveying complex ideas and emotions. The cinema condition focuses on the aspect of identification, where viewers see aspects of themselves in characters or stories, facilitating a deeper understanding of their own identities and experiences.
Cultural and Historical Documentation: Films often capture and represent the cultural and historical contexts in which they are made. This aspect of film plays a significant part in understanding how films document and influence the social and historical narrative.
Rhetorical Power: Films use visual rhetoric to persuade, inform, or evoke emotional responses, influencing viewers' perceptions and opinions.
Therapeutic and Cathartic Effects: Just as literature can provide solace and a way to process emotions, film too can offer therapeutic benefits. The immersive experience of film can be cathartic, allowing viewers to experience and process emotions in a safe space.
Promoting Empathy and Understanding: By showcasing diverse perspectives and experiences, films can foster empathy and understanding among viewers, bridging human divides and enhancing mutual understanding.
history of the human condition
The concept of the human condition is a philosophical and existential idea that has been explored by thinkers throughout history. While it does not have a single origin or definitive source, its development can be traced back to various philosophical traditions and perspectives.
The ancient Greek philosophers, notably figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, were instrumental in shaping early thought about the human condition. Their inquiries and philosophies delved into various aspects of human existence, setting foundational concepts that continue to influence modern thinking.
Socrates and the Socratic Method: Socrates, known for his contribution to the development of Western philosophy, emphasized the importance of questioning in the pursuit of knowledge and truth.
He employed what is now known as the Socratic Method, a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue, to stimulate critical thinking and to illuminate ideas. His focus was on ethics and the pursuit of moral virtue. Socrates believed that understanding the essence of virtue would lead to a more fulfilling life.
Plato’s Ideals and Forms: Plato, a student of Socrates, further explored the nature of reality and human existence. He is best known for his Theory of Forms, which posits that the material world is just a shadow of a higher, unchanging reality.
Plato’s allegory of the cave illustrates this concept, suggesting that human perception is limited and true understanding comes from intellectual enlightenment. In terms of the human condition, Plato explored themes of justice, the ideal state, the role of the philosopher-king, and the immortality of the soul.
Aristotle’s Empiricism and Ethics: Aristotle, a student of Plato, diverged from his teacher by emphasizing empirical observation and the physical world. He believed that knowledge comes from experience and that understanding the natural world is key to understanding human existence.
Aristotle's contributions spanned various fields, including ethics, where he introduced the concept of virtue ethics. This approach focuses on the development of good character traits (virtues) as the foundation for a good life.
His Nicomachean Ethics explores happiness (eudaimonia) as the ultimate purpose of human life, achievable through the practice of virtue.
Exploration of Ethics and Morality: These philosophers were deeply concerned with questions of ethics and morality. They explored what it means to live a good life and how individuals should behave. These inquiries laid the groundwork for much of Western ethical thought.
Understanding of Reality and Knowledge: The question of what can be known and how is another crucial aspect of their work. While Socrates focused on the limits of human knowledge, Plato asserted the existence of a higher realm of forms or ideas. Aristotle, meanwhile, established a more systematic approach to acquiring knowledge based on observation and logic.
Political Philosophy: The nature of the state and the best forms of government were also central concerns, particularly for Plato and Aristotle. Plato’s “The Republic” envisions an ideal state ruled by philosopher-kings, while Aristotle’s “Politics” offers a more pragmatic analysis of different forms of governance.
Influence on Western Thought: The legacies of these philosophers are immense. Their methodologies, concepts, and philosophical inquiries have shaped Western thought for centuries, influencing areas as diverse as science, ethics, political theory, and metaphysics.
Existentialism, a philosophical movement that gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries, offers a profound and nuanced understanding of the human condition. Philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche, Søren Kierkegaard, Martin Heidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Albert Camus were central to this movement, each contributing unique perspectives.
Friedrich Nietzsche and the Rejection of Traditional Values: Nietzsche challenged traditional moral values and the foundations of Western thought. He is known for his declaration that "God is dead," signifying the end of the era where life’s meaning was guaranteed by religious doctrines.
Nietzsche emphasized the creation of individual values and the concept of the Übermensch (Overman), a figure who creates his own destiny and values in the absence of divine guidance. His philosophy encourages individuals to confront the nihilism of a world without inherent meaning and to forge their own path.
Søren Kierkegaard and Subjective Truth: Often regarded as the father of existentialism, Kierkegaard focused on individual experience and the subjective nature of reality. He argued that truth is personal and that each individual must find their own path in a world without objective guidelines.
Kierkegaard's exploration of anxiety, despair, and the leap of faith towards religious belief are central to his understanding of the human condition.
Martin Heidegger and Being-in-the-World: Heidegger’s philosophy centered on the concept of Dasein, or "being-in-the-world." He emphasized the importance of understanding our existence and our relationship with time, particularly our awareness of mortality, which he termed "being-towards-death." For Heidegger, the realization of our finite existence leads to a more authentic and meaningful life.
Jean-Paul Sartre and Existential Freedom: Sartre is perhaps best known for his assertion that "existence precedes essence," implying that humans first exist and then define themselves through their actions.
He emphasized radical freedom and responsibility, arguing that individuals are free to make choices but must also bear the responsibility of these choices. Sartre's exploration of angst, freedom, and the absurdity of life are key elements of his existentialist perspective.
Albert Camus and the Absurd: Camus focused on the concept of the absurd, the conflict between humans’ search for meaning and the meaningless universe. In his view, the realization of the absurdity of existence should not lead to despair but rather to a rebellion against this absurdity.
Camus argued for living life with passion and intensity, embracing the absurd condition without resorting to false hopes.
Emphasis on Individual Experience: Existentialism places the individual at the center of philosophical inquiry, focusing on personal experience, freedom, and the search for meaning.
Confronting Absurdity and Nihilism: It addresses the challenges of living in a world without inherent meaning, encouraging individuals to create their own values and define their purpose.
Acknowledging Angst and Despair: Existentialism acknowledges the feelings of angst, despair, and alienation that can arise from confronting freedom and the absurdity of life.
Ethical and Moral Implications: The movement emphasizes personal responsibility and the ethical implications of choices, highlighting the moral dimensions of human freedom.
Phenomenology, a philosophical movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily through the work of Edmund Husserl and later expanded upon by Maurice Merleau-Ponty, among others, offers a distinctive approach to understanding the human condition.
This movement focuses on the detailed examination of the subjective experiences of consciousness and how these experiences shape our understanding of the world.
Edmund Husserl and the Foundations of Phenomenology: Husserl, often regarded as the founder of phenomenology, sought to establish a rigorous scientific methodology for philosophy.
His central thesis was the importance of returning "to the things themselves," meaning a focus on the direct experience of phenomena as they are perceived, without preconceived notions or biases.
Husserl developed the concept of the 'epoché' or 'phenomenological reduction', which involves bracketing or setting aside one's preconceptions and judgments to engage directly with the experience of phenomena.
He emphasized the role of intentionality, the idea that consciousness is always consciousness of something, and thus, our experiences are always directed toward objects or states of affairs in the world.
Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Embodied Perception: Merleau-Ponty further developed phenomenology by emphasizing the embodied nature of human experience. He argued that our consciousness is intrinsically tied to our physical bodies and that perception is a bodily act.
In his seminal work, "Phenomenology of Perception," Merleau-Ponty challenged traditional distinctions between the mind and body, suggesting that our bodily experiences are central to how we perceive and understand the world.
He explored how our physical interaction with the world shapes our perception, understanding, and being in the world.
Exploration of Subjectivity and Perception: Phenomenology is characterized by its focus on the subjective experience of individuals. It seeks to understand how things appear in our experiences, how we perceive them, and how these perceptions shape our understanding of the world.
Impact on Other Disciplines: Phenomenology has had a profound impact on various fields beyond philosophy, including psychology, sociology, and the arts. Its emphasis on subjective experience and perception has influenced the study of consciousness, identity, and the human experience in these disciplines.
Interrogating the Human Condition: In the context of the human condition, phenomenology offers a way to explore how individuals experience and make sense of the world.
It encourages a deep engagement with personal experiences, emotions, and perceptions, providing insights into how individuals construct meaning and understand their existence.
Ethical and Existential Implications: Phenomenology also has ethical and existential implications. By emphasizing the primacy of personal experience, it raises questions about empathy, intersubjectivity (the shared nature of experience), and the ethics of understanding and relating to others.
examining the human condition
The human condition is a broad and complex concept that encompasses the range of experiences, emotions, actions, and existential questions that define human life. It touches on various aspects:
Mortality: Humans are aware of their own mortality, leading to questions about the meaning and purpose of life and how to come to terms with the limited time they have.
Consciousness & Self Awareness: Humans posses a unique level of self-awareness and consciousness, enabling them to reflect upon themselves, their actions, and their place in the world.
Individuality & Identity: Each person has their own unique set of characteristics, talents, beliefs, and experiences that contribute to their individuality and shape their identity.
Emotions & Desires: Humans experience a wide range of emotions, desires, and motivations, which can influence their thoughts, actions, and relationships.
Struggle & Suffering: Life often involves challenges, pain, and suffering. Humans grapple with personal struggles, existential dilemmas, and the quest for happiness and fulfillment.
Social Nature: Humans are social beings who seek connection, belonging, and meaningful relationships with others. Society and culture play a significant role in shaping individual and collective identities.
Morality & Ethics: Humans possess a capacity for moral reasoning and ethical decision-making. Questions of right and wrong, justice, and ethical dilemmas are central to the human condition.
Search for Meaning & Purpose: Humans strive to find meaning and purpose in their lives, often exploring philosophical, spiritual, or religious beliefs to make sense of the world and their place within it.
a jungian perspective
From a Jungian perspective, the human condition is a journey of self-discovery, self-realization, and integration. It involves exploring and integrating the various layers of the psyche, recognizing the presence of archetypal patterns and symbols, and embracing the individuation process to achieve a more authentic and meaningful life.
The understanding of the human condition through a Jungian lens is deeply rooted in the exploration of the collective unconscious and the universal aspects of the human psyche:
Collective Unconscious: Jung proposed the concept of the collective unconscious, which refers to the inherited, universal, and shared aspects of the human psyche. It contains archetypal patterns, symbols, and instincts that are present in all cultures and individuals. The collective unconscious influences our thoughts, behaviors, and experiences, shaping the human condition at a deeper level.
Archetypes: Jung identified archetypes as universal, mythic images and symbols that are part of the collective unconscious. These archetypes represent fundamental patterns of human experience and behavior. They are innate and play a significant role in shaping our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Individuation: Individuation is a central concept in Jungian psychology, referring to the process of integrating and harmonizing different aspects of the self to achieve wholeness and self-realization. It involves recognizing and integrating both conscious and unconscious elements of the psyche. Individuation is seen as a lifelong journey towards achieving a balanced and authentic expression of one’s true self.
Symbols & Dreams: Jung emphasized the importance of symbols and dreams as vehicles for accessing and understanding the unconscious. Symbols in popular texts, as well as personal dreams, offer insights into the deeper layers of the human psyche and the collective unconscious. Exploring and interpreting these symbols and dreams can help individuals gain self-awareness and navigate the complexities of the human condition.
Shadow & Integration: Jung highlighted the shadow as the unconscious, dark, and often repressed aspects of the self. It encompasses the parts of ourselves that we deny or reject. Integrating the shadow involves acknowledging and accepting these unconscious aspects, leading to a more complete and balanced understanding of the human condition.
everything is an argument
Human communication and interaction are fundamentally persuasive in nature. Any form of communication, whether explicit or implicit, involves attempts to persuade, convince, or influence others to adopt a particular point of view, belief, or action.
Persuasive Intent: The argumentative perspective suggests that communication aims to influence others be presenting reasons, evidence, and rhetoric to support a particular position. Even when explicit arguments are not explicitly presented, there may still be an underlying persuasive intent.
Implicit Arguments: Not all arguments are presented in a structured or formal manner. Implicit arguments can be conveyed through nonverbal cues, tone of voice, gestures, or the choice of words.
Assumptions & Presuppositions: Every communication carries assumptions and presuppositions, which can shape the way information is presented and interpreted. These underlying assumptions can be considered as implicit arguments that influence the receiver’s understanding or response.
Influence on Beliefs & Actions: Communication can affect people’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Whether it’s a political speech, a scientific article, or a casual conversation, the exchange of ideas and information can shape individuals’ perspectives and influence their decisions.
Contestation & Disagreement: The argumentative perspective recognizes that disagreement and contestation are inherent to human communication. Even in everyday conversations, people express differing opinions, engage in debates, and attempt to persuade others to see things from their point of view.
Rhetorical Devices: Rhetorical devices, such as appeals to emotions, logic, or authority, are commonly employed in various forms of communication to enhance persuasiveness. These devices are tools used to construct and present arguments effectively.
It’s worth noting that “everything is an argument” is not meant to imply that all communication is adversarial or manipulative. Rather, it suggests that persuasion and influence are fundamental aspects of human interaction and that recognizing the presence of arguments can enhance our critical thinking and understanding of communication processes.
the role of a critic
The role of a critic is to evaluate, analyze, and provide informed judgments or assessments of various forms of creative works and cultural expressions. Critics play a significant role in the realm of arts and culture by offering their expertise and insights to help guide and inform audiences, as well as contribute to ongoing discussions and debates.
Evaluation & Analysis: Critics assess the quality, merits, and shortcomings of creative works based on their knowledge, expertise, and established standards within the field. They engage in a careful examination and analysis of the work’s various components, such as artistic techniques, themes, narrative structure, performances, or aesthetic choices.
Subjectivity & Perspective: Critics bring their own subjective viewpoints and experiences to their evaluations. While they aim to provide objective assessments, they also acknowledge the influence of personal interpretation and taste in their critiques. Different critics may have varying perspectives and preferences, contributing to a diverse range of critical opinions.
Contextualization: Critics consider the historical, cultural, and social context in which a work was created. They explore how the work relates to its time period, artistic movements, or understanding the significance and impact of the work within its larger cultural landscape.
Interpretation & Analysis: Critics interpret and analyze the meaning, symbolism, and thematic elements present in a creative work. They delve into the intentions of the artist or creator, examine the work’s messages or subtext, and explore its possible implications or interpretations—helping audiences develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the work.
Advocacy & Curation: Critics often act as advocates for works they deem worthy of attention and recognition. They can bring attention to emerging artists, promote marginalized voices, or champion under appreciated works. Critics may also curate exhibitions, recommend books or films, or highlight notable performances, contributing to the cultural landscape by shaping publish discourse and taste.
Dialogue & Discourse: Critics engage in discussions and debates with other critics, artists, and audiences. Their critiques stimulate conversations, spark intellectual discourse, and contribute to the ongoing development of artistic and cultural movements. Through their analyses and reviews, critics and shape and influence public opinion, fostering a deeper engagement with creative works.
exigence (in popular media)
In the context of popular media, “exigence” refers to the specific issue, problem, or social context that prompts or necessitates the creation of a particular media text. It represents the underlying motivation or reason for the media content’s existence. Understanding the exigence is important because it provides insights into the purpose, relevance, and intended impact of the media text.
Purpose & Intention: Exigence helps identify the purpose behind the creation of a media text. It reveals the desired effect or change that the creators aim to achieve by addressing a specific issue or context.
Relevance & Timeliness: Exigence situates a media text within tis social, cultural, or political context. It reflects the perceived importance or urgency of the issue being addressed. Media content that addresses current or pressing concerns tends to resonate more with audiences and can contribute to public discourse on relevant topics.
Audience Engagement: By identifying the exigence, media creators can tailor their content to engage and resonate with the intended audience. Understanding the issues, concerns, and values of the target audience helps in crafting narratives, characters, or messages that are meaningful and relatable.
Social Impact & Influence: Media texts driven by a strong exigence have the potential to shape public opinion, influence attitudes, or inspire action. They can draw attention to marginalized voices, challenge dominant narratives, or spark discussions on important issues. By addressing an exigent problem, media texts can contribute to social change or contribute to a broader movement.
Media Analysis & Criticism: Recognizing the exigence allows for a more nuanced analysis and critique of media content. By understanding the underlying motivation and context, critical and scholars can evaluate how effectively a media text address the issue at hand, whether it offers meaningful insights, or whether it falls short of its intended goals.
Audience Reception & Interpretation: Awareness of the exigence can also influence how audiences engage with and interpret media content. It provides the framework for viewers to assess the relevance, significance, and impact of a particular text. Understanding the exigence allows audiences to reflect on the larger social or cultural implications and encourages critical thinking.
the elements of film
The main elements of film can be broadly categorized into five key components: cinematography, mise-en-scène, editing, sound, and narrative.
Cinematography: Cinematography refers to the art and technique of capturing moving images on film or digital media. It encompasses various visual aspects such as camera angles, camera movements, framing, composition, lighting, and color. Cinematography plays a crucial role in setting the mood, creating visual aesthetics, and guiding the viewer’s attention within a film.
Mise-en-scène: Mise-en-scène refers to the arrangement and composition of elements within the frame of a shot. It includes the setting, props, costumes, makeup and the placement and movement of actors within the scene. Mise-en-scène helps to establish the visual and thematic context of a film, conveying information about characters, their relationships, and the overall atmosphere of the story.
Editing: Editing involves the selection, arrangement, and manipulation of shots and sequences to create a coherent and meaningful narrative. It encompasses the pace, rhythm, and timing of the film, as well as the transitions between shots, such as cuts, dissolves, wipes, or fades. Editing contributes to the overall structure, flow, and storytelling of a film, allowing for the manipulation of time, space, and narrative perspective.
Sound: Sound in film includes dialogue, music, sound effects, and other auditory elements. Sound can enhance the emotional impact of a scene, create atmosphere, and reinforce the narrative. It is divided into two categories: diegetic sound (sounds that originate from the story’s world, such as dialogue or ambient noises) and non-diegetic sound (sounds that are added to the film but do not exist within the story, such as background music or voiceovers).
Narrative: Narrative refers to the storyline or the sequence of events that unfold in a film. It includes the characters, their motivations, conflicts, and resolutions. The narrative structure can vary, ranging from linear to non-linear, and can employ various storytelling techniques. The narrative element provides the backbone of the film, driving the plot and engaging the audience in the story.
the cinema condition
In exploring the concept of the cinema condition, we've journeyed through various intellectual landscapes – from the philosophical musings of ancient Greeks to the introspective depths of existentialism and phenomenology.
Each perspective contributes a unique lens through which we can view and understand films not just as entertainment, but as a profound medium that reflects, influences, and transforms human experience and consciousness.
Integrating these diverse perspectives reveals a more comprehensive view of film's role in examining and expressing the human condition.
When we synthesize these various elements, we can view film as a dynamic, multifaceted medium that goes far beyond entertainment. It becomes evident that cinema is a powerful tool for exploring and expressing the human condition, offering insights into our collective experiences, fears, hopes, and dreams.
The cinema condition, therefore, represents a confluence of artistic expression, philosophical exploration, and social commentary, providing a rich tapestry through which we can better understand ourselves and the world around us.
Historical Context: What historical events or periods might have influenced the themes, characters, or narrative of this film?
Cultural Context: What were the prevailing cultural attitudes, trends, and artistic movements when this film was made, and how might they have shaped its content and style?
Social Context: How does this film reflect or challenge the social issues and conditions of its time, such as gender roles, class struggles, or racial dynamics?
Political Context: What political events or climates might have influenced the making of this film, and are there any political messages or undertones present in it?
Economic Context: How might the economic conditions and state of the film industry at the time of this film's production have influenced its creation and distribution?
Filmmaker’s Background and Intentions: What is known about the filmmaker’s background, personal experiences, and artistic intentions, and how might these have impacted the film's narrative and style?
Technological Context: What filmmaking technologies and techniques were available and prevalent at the time this film was made, and how did they influence its production and visual style?
Genre Conventions: What are the typical conventions and expectations of the genre to which this film belongs, and how does the film conform to, or deviate from, these norms?
Audience Reception and Criticism: How was this film initially received by audiences and critics, and how has its reception changed over time?
Comparison with Other Works: How does this film compare to other works from the same era, genre, or by the same filmmaker, in terms of themes, style, and narrative techniques?
Identify the Central Themes and Messages: What are the primary themes or messages presented in the film, and what issues or questions do they raise?
Analyze the Historical and Cultural Context: What were the key historical or cultural events, trends, or issues at the time of the film's creation, and how might they have influenced its themes?
Consider the Filmmaker’s Intentions and Background: What is known about the filmmaker's personal history, experiences, and artistic intentions, and how might these have influenced the creation of the film?
Examine Audience Reception: How did contemporary audiences and critics respond to the film, and did it spark any notable debates, controversies, or discussions?
Review the Film's Production History: What were the specific circumstances or conditions during the production of the film, and were there any events or trends that may have influenced its creation?
Study Character Development and Plot Progression: How do the characters' challenges and the plot progression reflect the film’s central themes or issues?
Analyze Symbolism and Metaphors: What symbols, metaphors, or allegorical elements are present in the film, and how do they relate to its themes or the issues it addresses?
Assess the Genre and Conventions Used: What is the genre of the film, and how do the conventions of this genre contribute to or comment on the film's central themes or issues?
Evaluate the Ending and Resolution: How is the film resolved, and what does the ending suggest about the central issues or themes addressed in the film?
Cinematography: How does the use of camera angles, movements, and framing contribute to the film's central themes or messages?
What role does lighting play in setting the tone or mood, and how does this support the film's exigency?
Mise-en-Scène: How do the settings, costumes, and props reflect the film's historical, cultural, or social context?
In what ways do the placement and movement of actors within a scene reinforce the film's key issues or themes?
Editing: How does the editing style (pace, transitions, continuity) influence the storytelling and the portrayal of the film's central conflict or theme?
Are there any specific editing techniques (such as montage, crosscutting) used to emphasize particular aspects of the film’s exigency?
Sound and Music: How does the soundtrack or score enhance the emotional impact of the film's themes?
In what ways do sound effects or the use of silence contribute to building tension, mood, or emphasis on certain moments relevant to the film’s exigency?
Narrative Structure: How does the structure of the narrative (linear, nonlinear, fragmented) aid in conveying the film's message or themes?
Are there any narrative techniques (flashbacks, voiceovers, perspective shifts) that particularly highlight the film’s exigency?
Character Development: How do the characters' arcs and their interactions reflect the film's central issues or concerns?
Does character development or transformation throughout the film serve to underscore its exigency?
Dialogue and Script: How does the dialogue reveal key aspects of the film’s themes or the filmmaker’s perspective?
Are there specific lines or exchanges that succinctly encapsulate the film’s exigency?
Symbolism and Visual Metaphors: What symbols or visual metaphors are present, and how do they relate to the film's overarching message or theme?
How do these symbolic elements enhance the understanding or impact of the film’s exigency?
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