Theory After Film Theory

    Film theory has adapted into something new and larger than ever, although it has also changed into something and has never been before. When reading chapter 5, Theory after film theory, I noticed a big shift in what was happening and is still developing. The author, McDonald, discusses how popular entertainment has become more political and more prevalent in today’s culture. For example, McDonald claims counterculture, spurred new intellectual, formations, and fostered a generation of scholars, who practiced structuralism along with elements of feminism, black power, and gay, liberation in pursuit of universal cooperation. Film theory has developed into an academic practice, generating the latest ideas and concepts. When I think about all the movies that fit the criteria for our current culture, I am happy to say that film is a brilliant platform to describe ideas, spread awareness through creativity, and educate people through political excitement.  

   

    As McDonald describes it as political modernism, aesthetics, and theory, variously overlap although they never move at the same rate. In our current state of the world having films that would describe a situation in extensive detail is a beautiful yet dangerous thing. McDonald claims that in the current movement with a growing number of political challenges calling for direct engagement, there is a powerful sense that the Academy and intellectual work must be aligned with activist effort on the ground. McDonald is incredibly careful with his words, yet he describes the film industry in today’s culture perfectly. Towards the end of the film theory book, it goes into detail about the Internet, and how it could be used effectively to disarm confusion. Technology has been used to produce innovative ideas that are difficult to describe in detail, although it can also be a weapon that can change everything. While I do agree that technology and the Internet have impacted Cinema, it gives a new platform to young voices, who have similar beliefs as those already in the film industry.  

   

    There are a lot of movies now that have become very political. For example, in class we discussed Marilyn Monroe and the new film based on her life. In that movie, they add very graphic scenes to inhibit other political viewpoints. Directors use their platform to discuss their own personal beliefs and morals, although I think that can be extremely dangerous. The more that I think about what McDonald is saying, the more I agree with him. He discusses the limitations of film theory and how theorists can only dabble in fields that extend far beyond what can be covered in his book. McDonald has written, incredibly knowledgeable, detailed, and influential book that I am sure will stand the test of time. There are a lot of interesting details that might inspire people to start behaving, acting, or even thinking differently. As I drew closer towards the end of the book, I noticed he touches on the things that I am starting to become familiar with in my life. For example, McDonald starts discussing DVDs and how they impacted the world. Digital media has taken over a lot of film culture due to availability and convenience. Till this day it remains true with Netflix, Disney+, or any other streaming service that provides films directly to your couch.