Social practices of modernity : cinema-going in Buenos Aires and Santiago, 1915-1945
This thesis examines ideas of modernity that emerged through the practice of going to the movies in Santiago and Buenos Aires between 1915 and 1945. Cinema not only constituted a modern form of entertainment, but also a modern technology in itself, which prompted debates and ideas on modernity and how to be modern. Cinema magazines provided a space where both audiences and cinema entrepreneurs could discuss their love of cinema, as well as relate to the modern character of the medium. The years that frame this study cover an evolution in cinema both as technology and entertainment; a process of modernization in Santiago and Buenos Aires; as well as a period when several cinema magazines were being published in the two cities. The thesis uses a comparative approach, which allows me to consider the different ways in which cinema was viewed as a vehicle for modernization, as well as a modern activity in itself. Each city appropriated cinema as entertainment in different ways, which in turn had an impact on ideas of what it meant to be modern. Moreover, a transnational character arises from the mutual exchange that the two capitals had through the press and specialised media. These methodological approaches allow
Gatica Mizala, C.
Social practices of modernity : cinema-going in Buenos Aires and Santiago, 1915-1945. This thesis examines ideas of modernity that emerged through the practice of going to the movies in Santiago and Buenos Aires between 1915 and 1945. Cinema not only constituted a modern form of entertainment, but also a modern technology in itself, which prompted debates and ideas on modernity and how to be modern. Cinema magazines provided a space where both audiences and cinema entrepreneurs could discuss their love of cinema, as well as relate to the modern character of the medium. The years that frame this study cover an evolution in cinema both as technology and entertainment; a process of modernization in Santiago and Buenos Aires; as well as a period when several cinema magazines were being published in the two cities. The thesis uses a comparative approach, which allows me to consider the different ways in which cinema was viewed as a vehicle for modernization, as well as a modern activity in itself. Each city appropriated cinema as entertainment in different ways, which in turn had an impact on ideas of what it meant to be modern. Moreover, a transnational character arises from the mutual exchange that the two capitals had through the press and specialised media. These methodological approaches allow
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