Cinema is consistently making a claim to particular memories, histories, ways of life, identities, and values that always presuppose some notion of difference, community, and the future. Given that films both reflect and shape public culture, they cannot be defined exclusively through a notion of artistic freedom and autonomy that removes them from any form of critical accountability.
Interpretation
Cinema influences and reflects society's values and identities while remaining accountable to public culture.
In this quote, Henry Giroux emphasizes the profound role of cinema in shaping and reflecting societal memories, identities, and values. He argues that films are not merely expressions of artistic freedom; they are embedded in a cultural context that requires them to be critically examined in relation to the communities they portray and the future they envision.
In practice
During a film studies class, I used this quote to explain the relationship between cinema and societal values.
Where I grew up, learning was a collective activity. But when I got to school and tried to share learning with other students that was called cheating. The curriculum sent the clear message to me that learning was a highly individualistic, almost secretive, endeavor. My working class experience...was disparaged.
Every song is like a kid. How can you have that many kids and have a favorite? Which one do I like to hang most with? Probably the one that I haven't hung most with recently.
I dedicate this novel to Gala, who was constantly by my side while I was writing it, who was the good fairy of my equilibrium, who banished the salamanders of my doubts and strengthened the lions of certainties.
And I think as long as a song has beautiful lyrics, I'm so happy.
My role 14 years ago in Richard III - that was the first time I played a bad guy and learned a lot about it - they have all the fun!
From my perspective, I'm trying to stand for a generation. You know, each generation has designers who go along with it.
At the very least, noir offers an alternate reality - moments of real passion, a bleak code of honor, and a need for freedom amid corruption. At its best, noir offers a map of subversion.
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