The Cinema of Robert Gardner

Robert Gardner stands as a singular figure in cinematic history, merging the realms of ethnography and art with an unmistakable vision that has defined half a century of film. This volume of essays offers an incisive look into Gardner’s pioneering work, examining films that have both captivated and challenged audiences with their profound aesthetic and cultural insights. Among the films discussed are the classic Dead Birds (1963) – an evocative portrayal of ritual warfare among the Dugum Dani in New Guinea, Rivers of Sand (1974) – a daring exploration of gender dynamics among the Hamar in southwestern Ethiopia, and Forest of Bliss (1986) – a moving city symphony reflecting on the themes of death and life in Benares, India. Eminent voices from anthropology, philosophy, and film theory bring fresh perspectives to Gardner’s innovative legacy, unpacking the impact and occasional controversy of his cinema. Published by Berg Publishers in 2007, this paperback collection of 260 pages continues to inspire debate and admiration among scholars and cinephiles alike.