#511 - Serge Daney Talk with Richard Brody, Nicholas Elliott & Madeline Whittle
Feb 11, 2024
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A panel of critics and programmers discuss French film critic Serge Daney's politically driven analysis and radical enthusiasms of the 1970s. They explore the relation between mise-en-scène and moral perspective, the cinema as an antidote to advertising, and the critic's role as an ally to filmmakers. They also discuss Selchine's legacy in cinema, Sajdani's journey as a filmmaker, and the insights into the mind of Cérgé. Additionally, they delve into the evolution of writing style and perspective, as well as the process of selecting films for the program.
Serge Daney's love for cinema stemmed from his childhood experiences and the transformative power of films like 'Night and Fog' and 'Hiroshima Mon Amour' in confronting the horror of the world and inspiring ethical filmmaking.
Serge Daney's journey in film criticism began with his involvement in Cahiers du Cinéma, allowing him and his fellow critics to voice their radical ideas about cinema and later advocating for marginalized voices in his role as editor-in-chief.
Serge Daney's intellectual legacy lies in his ability to foster a deeper understanding of cinema, challenge conventional approaches to criticism, and encourage readers to develop their own ways of thinking.
Deep dives
Serge Daney's Early Life and Film Influence
Serge Daney, a renowned French film critic, had a profound connection to cinema from a young age. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood of Paris, he and his family found solace and adventure in going to the movies. This formative experience led him to become captivated by the power of film and its ability to explore, know, feel, and care about the world. Two pivotal screenings of Alain René's films, 'Night and Fog' and 'Hiroshima Mon Amour,' deeply impacted Daney and solidified his passion for cinema. The shock of these films confronted him with the horror of the world and the just act of filmmaking. These experiences set the foundation for his future work as a film critic.
Daney's Journey in Film Criticism
Serge Daney's journey in film criticism began when he started writing for Cahiers du Cinéma in the 1960s. This radical and politically-driven film magazine provided him with a platform to explore his ideas about cinema and the world. The collective spirit of the Cahiers du Cinéma period allowed Daney and his fellow critics to voice their thoughts, although he later admitted that individually, they might have struggled. In the early 1980s, Daney became the editor-in-chief of Cahiers du Cinéma and later transitioned to writing for Libération, a left-wing daily newspaper in France. During this time, he had significant creative freedom in shaping the cinema pages and he also advocated for the inclusion of marginalized voices within the publication. Throughout his career, Daney's films celebrated an understanding of the world, demand for ethics, and critical engagement with images.
The Intellectual Legacy of Serge Daney
Serge Daney's intellectual legacy encompasses his deep love and passion for cinema, his unique approach to film criticism, and his ability to inspire others to think critically about film. He was known for his philosophical perspective and his appreciation for the power of images. His writings explored the complex intersections between politics, ethics, and cinema. Daney challenged conventional approaches to criticism and encouraged readers to develop their own ways of thinking. His texts, although filled with intellectual rigor, maintained an element of openness, allowing readers to continually engage with his ideas. Ultimately, Daney's legacy lies in his ability to foster a deeper understanding of cinema and to encourage a more thoughtful and nuanced appreciation of the art form.
Dene's Mode of Address: Challenging yet Accessible
Dene's writing is characterized by his high standard and philosophical approach to cinema. He goes beyond traditional film criticism, exploring the moral obligations of artists and audiences when looking at a film. While his thinking may be challenging, it ultimately creates a conversation of ideas that can be accessed by anyone, regardless of their relationship with cinema. Dene's personal and rigorous writing style, coupled with his cinephile perspective, allows readers to discover films and understand his unique sensibility.
The Selection Process for the Program
The program selection was based on the curiosity and taste of the translators, Maddie and Nicholas. They aimed to include both well-known films and lesser-known ones, creating a balance between heavy hitters and marginalized films. The lineup represents Dene's inclusive approach, treating all films on an equal level, regardless of their popularity or production models. The films in the program revolve around the theme of history, particularly World War II, allowing audiences to trace Dene's moral perspective throughout different cinematic works.
This week we’re excited to present a panel of critics and programmers to discuss the significance of the late French film critic Serge Daney (1944–1992)'s thought today, with a particular emphasis on how his politically driven analysis and radical enthusiasms of the 1970s might speak to our contemporary moment.
Film at Lincoln Center was proud to recently present Never Look Away: Serge Daney’s Radical 1970s, a series that celebrated French film critic Serge Daney and the films he championed in his book La Rampe, occasioned by its long-awaited English translation under the title Footlights.
Complementing this program was a panel that featured The New Yorker’s Richard Brody, translator of Footlights and series co-programmer Nicholas Elliott, and moderator FLC Assistant Programmer Madeline Whittle. This discussion considered the relation between mise-en-scène and moral perspective, the cinema as an antidote to advertising, and the critic’s role as an ally to filmmakers.
Never Look Away: Serge Daney’s Radical 1970 was sponsored by MUBI.
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