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The Story of Film: A New Generation

The Story of Film: A New Generation

Representation Score

8.9/10

Excellent

2021

Director

Mark Cousins

Runtime

167 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Mark Cousins presents a documentary that bridges past and present, shifting the focus from historical film masters to a diverse new generation. The film's structure challenges the patriarchal and Western-centric hierarchies that dominated early film history. By examining how a global crisis influenced art, the narrative moves toward a globalized understanding of cinema. This approach naturally incorporates voices from the Global South and non-Western industries, expanding the traditional cinematic canon. While the film excels at broadening racial and cultural perspectives, it remains more conservative regarding specific depictions of disability and individual queer character arcs. It serves as a broad, inclusive historical survey rather than a deep dive into specific identity issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Story of Film: A New Generation have LGBTQ+ representation?

Good

The documentary explores contemporary queer cinema and its development during a global crisis. This approach provides a platform for stories that go beyond straight relationships.

How does The Story of Film: A New Generation portray gender?

Good

By highlighting contemporary filmmakers, the film challenges the traditional dominance of male directors. It elevates the work of female and non-binary filmmakers who are shaping modern cinema.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Story of Film: A New Generation?

Good

The documentary shifts away from Anglo-centric film studies to include a global perspective. It features significant contributions from the Global South and non-Western countries, enriching the traditional cinematic canon.

How does The Story of Film: A New Generation represent religion and culture?

Good

The film adopts a globalist perspective that values diverse cultures over singular Western traditions. It promotes a cosmopolitan worldview over individualist or nationalist narratives.

Does The Story of Film: A New Generation include disability representation?

Fair

The documentary highlights the growing visibility of neurodivergent and physically disabled creators in modern cinema. However, specific depictions of disability are not detailed in the overview.

Present on Screen

  • Highlights international film movements beyond Western traditions.
  • Challenges traditional male-dominated hierarchies by featuring contemporary filmmakers.
  • Includes significant contributions from the Global South and non-Western industries.
  • Promotes a cosmopolitan, globalist perspective on cultural evolution.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks detailed depictions of disability within the narrative.
  • Does not provide specific character arcs for LGBTQ+ representation.
  • Focuses on broad structural changes rather than specific individual identity studies.

Official Synopsis

The final chapter of his exceptional 15-part documentary exploring the history of cinema, The Story of Film: An Odyssey. Mark Cousins builds a bridge between the “before” of the health crisis, and the “after”.

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