It is often claimed that the French invented cinema, and although their prominence may have been supplanted by Hollywood today, the French film industry remains both prolific and highly lauded. Exploring the entire French cinematic oeuvre, Andrew teases out the distinguishing themes, to bring the defining features of French cinema to light.
Kenji Mizoguchi's masterpiece Sanshô Dayû (1954) retells a classic Japanese folktale about an eleventh-century feudal official forced into exile by his political enemies. In his absence, his children fall under the corrupting influence of the malevolent bailiff Sansho. In their study of the film, film scholar Dudley Andrew and Japanese literature professor Carole Cavanaugh highlight the cultural, aesthetic and social contexts of this film which is at once rooted in folk legend and a modern artwork released in the aftermath of World War II. This edition includes a new foreword by the authors in which they consider the film's contemporary parallels in modern slavery and children torn from their families by malevolent authorities.
The vibrant legacy of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, a master of Impressionism, profoundly influenced his son, filmmaker Jean Renoir. This catalogue explores their artistic dialogue, showcasing how Pierre's joyful outdoor scenes shaped Jean's cinematic vision, while Jean's films offer new perspectives on his father's paintings. It features a rich collection of artworks, including paintings, drawings, and ceramics, alongside contributions from prestigious institutions. The accompanying exhibition highlights their shared themes and the evolution of Jean as a filmmaker, celebrating their complex relationship.