Richard Porton

V for Vendetta, directed by James McTeigue

Revolutionary Mode. Considering the anarchist cinema of the 21st century

Communication. Filmsviolence* bibliographiePORTON, Richard

Since anarchism is a notoriously difficult term to define, it should not be surprising that the concept of "anarchist cinema" is equally elusive. Just as internecine conflicts between anarcho-syndicalists, anarcho-individualists, and anarcho-communists complicate efforts to reduce anarchism to a monolithic ideology, there is no consensus as to whether anarchist filmmaking is more a literal-minded matter of content (e.g. documentaries on anti-authoritarian activism or biopics on heroic figures from the past like "anarchist martyrs" Sacco and Vanzetti or Buenaventura Durruti) or an idiosyncratic style (e.g. the bold lyricism of avant-gardists like Jean Vigo). Even Stuart Christie, the well-known British anarchist writer, activist, and avid movie enthusiast, confessed to The Guardian that some films made and produced by anarchists are often "very boring indeed."

LYALL, Sarah. "The Ingénue Who Blows Up Parliament", New York Times 154 (6/19/2005) #53250, Section 2 p.1-15(2 p.)
Comments on the Warner Brothers film "V for Vendetta" Is it moral to use violence to fight oppression?