Nation and Identity in the New German Cinema Homeless at Home [Paperback]

In this original study, Scharf investigates issues of national identity in films of the New German Cinema. Using a cultural studies analysis, Scharf argues that the conflict between this generation of critical filmmakers and their German-ness translate into feature films that construct, and are pervaded by, a sense of homelessness at home.

As the first cultural studies investigation of this cinematic movement, the book challenges existing film studies accounts by analyzing the New German Cinema within its social, temporal, and spatial contexts. Furthermore, with its broad concerns for the West German production context, the New German Cinemas reception both nationally and internationally, as well as issues of representation, narration, and Othering, Nation and Identity in the New German Cinemaoffers an interdisciplinary contribution to the ongoing debate on national cinema.

Foreword

Acknowledgments

 

PART ONESetting the Scene

Introduction

Chapter One: Establishing Shot

 

PART TWOFilm Analyses

Chapter Two: The Unsettling Setting

Chapter Three: A Matter of Time

Chapter Four: Relative Strangers

Conclusion: The End

Notes

Bibliography

Filmography

Index

 

Inga Scharf  currently works for the German National Academic Foundation. Her publications include the article A Cultural Studies Approach Towards a Critical Understanding of the New German Cinema, and the book chapter National Identity and the Critical Geopolitics of West German Film.