Description
Book SynopsisThis innovative study finds that, through his unique representation of violence, Argentine director Pablo Trapero has established himself as one of the 21st century's distinctly political filmmakers. By examining the broad concept of violence and how it is represented on-screen, Douglas Mulliken identifies and analyzes the ways in which Trapero utilizes violence, particularly Žižek's concept of objective violence, as a means through which to mediate the politicalThrough a focus on several previously under-studied elements of Trapero's films, Mulliken highlights the ways in which the director's work represents present-day concerns about social inequalities and injustice in neoliberal Argentina on-screen. Finally, he examines how Trapero combines aspects of Argentina's long tradition of political film with elements of Nuevo Cine Argentino to create a unique political voice.
Trade ReviewPablo Trapero and the Politics of Violence is the first serious examination of the oeuvre of one of Argentina most important contemporary filmmakers. The author offers meticulous analyzes of Trapero’s films that cohere around the topic of violence, providing an exploration of Argentine culture that is both timely and well-conceived. -- Carolina Rocha, Southern Illinois University Ewardsville, USA
Table of ContentsIntroduction A History of Violence A Hauntology of Violence The Changing Nature of Political Film Neoliberalism and Ideology A Cyclical Career
Part I: The Individual and the State 1. Neoliberalism, Violence, and the New Argentina 1.1 The Violence of Neoliberalism From Objective to Subjective Violence Masculinity in Crisis
1.2 Mundo Grúa The Precariat on Screen Physical and Emotional Estrangement
1.3 Carancho What is Shown, What is Not Resistance and the Middle Class Margani v. Darín Response to Violence
2. Repression, Ideology, and the Manipulation of Power 2.1 Theories of Power 2.2 El Bonaerense El Conurbano “La Bonaerense” Police Repressive State Apparatus Zapa
2.3 Elefante Blanco Ciudad Oculta and the Catholic Church Authority and the Legacy of Mugica State Violence and Death
Part II: Violence and the Family 3. The Violence of the Arborescent Family 3.1 Theories of the Family Family and Control Family as Source of Violence
3.2 Familia Rodante The Potent Symbolism of the Family The Family as a Locus of Retention Discipline and Rebellion
3.3 El Clan Adult Paranoiacs, Child Neurotics The Violence of the Family
4. The Rhizome as Alternative Family Model 4.1 Rhizomes and the becoming-family Prison: Arborescent or Rhizomatic? The State of Exception
4.2 Nacido y Criado Desaparecidos Homo Sacer and the State of Exception Patagonia and Rhizomes
4.3 Leonera Prison and Prison Films Rhizomatic Families
Conclusion Appendix: Interview with Pablo Trapero
