New materialism

Definition

New materialism is a contemporary philosophical movement that emphasizes the importance of materiality and the agency of non-human entities in shaping social, cultural, and environmental realities. It challenges traditional dualisms, such as mind/body and human/non-human, proposing a more interconnected view of existence that recognizes the influence of physical matter in various contexts, including film and media studies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New materialism posits that matter is not passive but actively participates in shaping social realities and cultural practices.
2. This perspective encourages filmmakers and theorists to reconsider the role of objects in narratives, exploring how they influence character interactions and themes.
3. It blurs the boundaries between human agency and non-human forces, leading to a more holistic understanding of causality in storytelling.
4. In film analysis, new materialism can be applied to examine how settings, props, and technology affect the narrative structure and audience perception.
5. The rise of new materialism reflects broader interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from fields like science studies, feminism, and environmental theory into film criticism.

Review Questions

• How does new materialism challenge traditional concepts in film theory?
  • New materialism challenges traditional concepts in film theory by emphasizing the active role of materiality in shaping narratives and viewer experiences. It moves away from binary oppositions like mind/body or human/non-human, suggesting that objects and environments have agency that influences characters and plot developments. This perspective allows for a more nuanced analysis of how physical elements in films contribute to storytelling beyond just being mere backdrops or tools.
• In what ways can new materialism be applied to analyze the role of technology in contemporary cinema?
  • New materialism can be applied to analyze technology in contemporary cinema by examining how digital effects, filmmaking equipment, and even social media platforms affect narrative structures and audience engagement. For instance, it encourages critics to consider how the presence of smartphones or virtual reality alters character interactions or viewer immersion. This approach highlights that technology is not just a means to an end but an integral part of storytelling that shapes meanings and experiences.
• Evaluate the impact of new materialism on understanding ecological themes in film.
  • The impact of new materialism on understanding ecological themes in film is profound as it allows for an examination of the interconnectedness between human actions and environmental consequences. By focusing on the agency of non-human elements like landscapes, animals, and climate phenomena, new materialism promotes a more comprehensive narrative that reflects ecological realities. This perspective encourages filmmakers to portray not just human experiences but also the effects of human actions on the environment, fostering a deeper awareness of ecological issues among audiences.

Related terms

Actor-Network Theory: A framework that examines the relationships between human and non-human actors in a network, emphasizing the roles that objects and technologies play in shaping social dynamics.

Posthumanism: A philosophical perspective that critiques the traditional human-centered view of existence, focusing on the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and machines within a shared environment.

Materiality: The quality or character of being material; in film theory, it refers to how physical objects and their properties impact narrative, representation, and viewer experience.