The Cinema of Iceland: Between Tradition and Liquid Modernity

Description

The last decade was an exceptional period for the Icelandic cinema. The films produced during this time have won many prestigious awards at international festivals. Cinematic images of Iceland eclectically interlace myths, stereotypes and postmodern means of expression. At first glance, the local films obsessively repeat the same themes which might be incomprehensible for a foreign viewer. However, academic research on the most interesting motion pictures creates an opportunity to study the birth and development of small, but energetic and ambitious cinematography. Such an experience also allows analyzing problems related to the system of film production in this sparsely populated country and helps identify challenges during the process of introducing a local culture abroad. Finally, studying Icelandic cinema gives a chance to go on the audiovisual journey through the fascinating culture and unique landscapes. The author of the book analyses popular topics and narrative strategies in Icelandic films. The research covers local versions of black comedies, road movies and crime stories as well as different figures connected with the motif of struggle between tradition and modernity. Acknowledgments Contents Preface: A Cinematic Terra Incognita Introduction: The Imaginary Island: From a Literary Myth to On-screen Stereotype Part One: Reconfiguring Utopias: Nation Building and Cinema 1 Nature, Countryside and the City: The Ideologies of Nation Building 2 In the Land of the Great Narrations: Chronotopias, Uchronias and Nostalgic Past 3 Tradition, History and Liquid Modernity in Icelandic Musical Documentaries Part Two: Figures of Tradition, Crisis and Change 4 Of Fishermen and Their Ships: Marine Motifs, Cruel Nature and Zeitgeist 5 Restless Daughters of Freyja: Female Soul of Icelandic Cinema 6 The Curious Case of Anti-Vikings Part Three: Reimaging Utopia: Genres and Transnational Dreams 7 Icelandic Crime Stories 8 At the Edge of World: Black Comedies and the Allegories of Crisis and Isolation 9 Cinematic Journeys Around Iceland Appendix: Tradition and Liquid Modernity in Documentary Cinema Afterword: Notes After the Year 2016 List of Figures Bibliography Filmography Bibliography of the Previously Published Parts of the Book Index