vernacular modernism

[catherine russell]

Thanks Aaron for your explanation of the usefulness of the term "vernacular
modernism" to Japanese film studies. I have found it equally useful, for
many of the reasons you mention. I would also add that I find it provides a
way of identifying what Miriam Hansen calls new subjectivities that are
constructed within different modern cultures, such as Japan of both the
prewar and postwar periods.  Moving away from the East/West dichotomies
enables us to see how cinema is deeply involved in imagining the modernity
of Japan, including urban space and architecture, fashion, music, and the
development of new characters such as the Moga of the late 20s and the new
masculinities of the postwar period.  Another way of putting it is that
vernacular modernism is about the way that "everyday life" is constructed
in the cinema, as a vital element of popular culture.  I have found it a
good way of aligning film analysis with Harry Harootunian's fascinating
work on Japanese modernity (i.e. Overcoming Modernity and History's
Disquiet). Check out Miriam Hansen's article in the book "Reinventing Film
Studies" edited by Christine Gledhill and Linda Williams. 
katie



_________________________________
Catherine Russell, Associate Professor
Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema
Concordia University
1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W.
Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1M8
tel: (514) 848 4657 fax: (514) 848 4255
http://cinema.concordia.ca/russell/