THIS PROJECT IS BASED ON FOLLOWING PREMISES:

One’s actions/reactions are informed and determined by one’s self-image. And thus, even seemingly irrational actions/reactions usually have their own ‘logic’ about them. Hence the best way to grasp such a ‘logic’ is to analyse an actor’s self-image that informs her/their/his actions/reactions and the historic contingencies which have made this particular form of self-identification possible in the first place.

The self-identification is made possible by learning various historically available norms and concepts, for, since one cannot create something from nothing, ‘creating’ novelties presupposes the knowledge of existing norms. Cinema is an ideal venue to study the formation of self-image, for it is uniquely influential in regards to creating and reinforcing a collective self-image that is often adopted without indiviusals’ knowledge. By projecting possible variations of a collective self-image, cinema in effect plays a decisive role in the formation of individual self-image.

Thus, if it is done right, critical analysis of choice movies gives us access to the clear representation of a Geist.

Just as importantly, cinema is a potent medium to give a face to the invisible and a voice to the silenced.

And thus, the study of cinematic art helps better understand who we think we are, how such a self-image informs our actions/reactions and what have been missing from our respective Weltanschauung, or the picture of the world as we 'know' it.

Hence our end is to present a clear picture of a given Geist through a critical analysis of select movies. We intend to be as disinterested as we possibly can in our effort to analyse each subject. Whilst none can make value-neutral judgments, we strive to become des voyants ohne Eigenschaften.

Thank you for your interest.