Cinema and the creation of collective memories

Lees, Dominic

Abstract

In this paper, I link the concept of memory as a visual, mutable process with how we create collective memories. My area of research is narrative film, so here I concentrate on the role of the filmmaker as a key voice in describing the shared memories that help define us collectively. I trace a line from considerations about the workings of memory, through Landsberg’s concept of ‘prosthetic memory’, to the embedding of images that eventually constitute our collective memories, and finally to the role of Historical Film which I see as central to creating our shared visual imaginings of the past.

Citation

Lees, D. (2014, April). Cinema and the creation of collective memories. Paper presented at to ‘Journeys Across Media 2014’: ‘Memory and Imagination’, University of Reading, Reading, England

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: to ‘Journeys Across Media 2014’: ‘Memory and Imagination’
• Start Date: Apr 25, 2014
• End Date: Apr 25, 2014
• Acceptance Date: Apr 25, 2014
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: memory studies, prosthetic memory, historical film, film costume, authenticity
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : to ‘Journeys Across Media 2014’: ‘Memory and Imagination’