Constellations of Adornian theory and film : readings of Adorno with Tarkovsky and Haneke
This thesis engages in analysis and interpretation of certain ideas within the critical theory of Theodor W. Adorno (1903-1969). These analyses are placed into a constellational relationship with some filmic works of Andrei Tarkovsky and Michael Haneke. In doing so, I aim to highlight the ongoing relevance and validity of at least some core elements of Adornian theory in a contemporary context. The thesis consists of four substantive chapters. The first chapter functions as an extended introduction to and justification for the thesis as a whole, and it provides the theoretical background to the project before explicating the idea of a constellational method. The second chapter explores the notion of mimesis in Adorno's thought and Tarkovsky's films as a crucial rejoinder to the prevailing âcommunicative' paradigm instituted in large part by JuÌrgen Habermas' work. The third chapter considers the importance of marginality to the task of social critique by analyzing Adorno's theoretical reflections on the matter and how these can be related to and supported by Haneke's filmic work. The fourth and final chapter examines the relationship between humanity and nature within two preeminent ecological discourses,
Mussell, Simon Paul
B Philosophy (General) ; PN0080 Criticism ; PN1993 Motion pictures
Constellations of Adornian theory and film : readings of Adorno with Tarkovsky and Haneke. This thesis engages in analysis and interpretation of certain ideas within the critical theory of Theodor W. Adorno (1903-1969). These analyses are placed into a constellational relationship with some filmic works of Andrei Tarkovsky and Michael Haneke. In doing so, I aim to highlight the ongoing relevance and validity of at least some core elements of Adornian theory in a contemporary context. The thesis consists of four substantive chapters. The first chapter functions as an extended introduction to and justification for the thesis as a whole, and it provides the theoretical background to the project before explicating the idea of a constellational method. The second chapter explores the notion of mimesis in Adorno's thought and Tarkovsky's films as a crucial rejoinder to the prevailing âcommunicative' paradigm instituted in large part by JuÌrgen Habermas' work. The third chapter considers the importance of marginality to the task of social critique by analyzing Adorno's theoretical reflections on the matter and how these can be related to and supported by Haneke's filmic work. The fourth and final chapter examines the relationship between humanity and nature within two preeminent ecological discourses,
theory film reading adorno engage analysis_interpretation certain idea within critical_theory adorno analysis place relationship work aim_highlight ongoing relevance validity least core element theory contemporary context consist_four substantive chapter first function extend introduction justification whole provide theoretical_background project explicate idea method second explore notion mimesis adorno think film crucial prevail communicative paradigm institute large_part juirgen_habermas work third_considers importance marginality task social critique analyze adorno theoretical reflection matter relate support work fourth final examines_relationship humanity nature within preeminent ecological discourse