The evolution and legacy of slow cinema in the 21st century cinematic landscape

Barrington, Matthew Anthony (2024) The evolution and legacy of slow cinema in the 21st century cinematic landscape. PhD thesis, Birkbeck, University of London.

Abstract

This research delves into the phenomenon of slow cinema, which has gained prominence since the early 21st century within international film festivals and scholarly discourse. The study began in 2012, navigating the initial stages of slow cinema's conceptualization, focusing on terminology, definition, and legitimacy. Despite a surge in critical attention and discourse, the author observes a recent decline in scholarly activity on slow cinema. The thesis aims to contribute to the existing literature by exploring themes and materials overlooked or underexplored. The primary focus is on analysing the legacy of slow cinema and offering a critical commentary on its evolving role within the changing landscape of contemporary cinema and moving image art. Two key themes are central to the investigation: first, how slow cinema serves as a bridge between art cinema and artist film, establishing a closer connection; and second, how this fusion creates new possibilities for exhibition and distribution. The author examines the interplay between these themes, exploring how the formal qualities of slow cinema influence distribution strategies borrowed from the art world. This involves a rise in micro distributors specializing in less commercially viable cinematic styles. On the exhibition front, the research investigates the transformation of art galleries into spaces for showcasing slow cinema, alongside the evolution of traditional art house cinemas now situated within contemporary art galleries. The study not only suggests that slow cinema has enabled a shift in exhibition and distribution approaches but also highlights its susceptibility to wider trends in the cinematic landscape. The temporal focus is between 2002 and 2014, representing the emergence and symbolic saturation of the 'slow' moment in cinema. The author views this period as distinct, emphasizing the need to recognize slow cinema not as a current or emerging moment but as a concluded era. The exploration of this timeframe provides insights into the transformative impact of slow cinema on the relationship between contemporary cinema and moving image art.

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