Soviet Montage Theory - Art as Propaganda

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Is Cinema truly the best medium for propaganda? And if so, what is the genesis of this claim. Here we explore Soviet Montage Theory to answer if an image is really worth more than 1,000 words.
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[@sucrose11]

I remember when George Lucas gave an interview where he said that soviet filmmakers had a lot more artistic freedom than he had.

[@dai19721]

no he didnt...

[@alexnickolaev]

@@dai19721 look it up

[@matheusvillela9150]

@@dai19721 kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYjUp5SDeqt8mqs

[@SuperiFox]

No american studio would have greenlit The Mirror in the 70's

[@dai19721]

@@alexnickolaev look up the full interview an learn exactly what he said about the soviet government .....

[@Redem10]

This channel is like an eclipse, it's regular but pretty rare, always exciting when it happen.

[@Stoney-Jacksman]

I bet yoi havent even given your own mother such a compliment. Ironically she would be the most deserving. But hey..it doesnt get any likes. Now be a good boy and take that big cock out of your mouth please.

[@richardsantanna5398]

Regular, but rare?

[@whiteegretx]

​@@richardsantanna5398 - As in, predictable, consistent, but not occurring at a frequent rate.

[@alexh1681]

Many of the films from this era is still impressive. Dziga Vertovs "Man with a Movie Camera" remains one the greatest masterpieces in cinema history

[@benmcreynolds8581]

This is such a facinating tactic of editing and movie creation. It's so underutilized nowadays but imo it's 1 of my favorite version's of film/art. (Certain skate videos utilize this concept in-between skater's part's. You get a montage of random images, moment's, creative perspective's, etc. I love it)

[@gabrielesegapeli4053]

A very interesting video that made me want to re-immerse myself in some films that had left me indifferent at the first viewing (Nevsky and Man whit Movie Camera), as well as making me mark other films to catch up on. After watching numerous terrible and mediocre "Video Essays" (like the one of The Closer Look on Avatar) this video was a lifesaver.

[@TheFlash-rh2el]

At this point in time most Hollywood creators are singing the same tune and using the same basic devices to preach the majority political opinion. Look at the clothing and the lighting: heroes = blue, villains = red.

[@Emptyca1m]

I'm so happy you kept this channel going. It's such an important voice for lovers of cinema.

[@propanekid686]

Was this channel going to end?

[@Emptyca1m]

@Propane Kid they made a video a little while back that suggested to me it might be over but I could have misinterpreted that. Either way I'm glad it's still going.

[@eduardnaichuk3563]

Thanks for the new video, it's very interesting. I would really like to see an essay related to documentaries from you.

[@orthovasky]

[@kristian3466]

Loved this! Almost feels like a continuation of the Cinémathèque series, which I adored and felt bummed out over not lasting more than three videos (counting the intro)

[@fabiodeoliveiraribeiro1602]

When I went to see the film Taken in 2008, what most caught my attention was the reaction of two teenage children of friends of mine who were by my side. The torture scenes caused them more excitement than disgust, more approval than disapproval. Taken not only justifies torture. The film makes a real break between two irreconcilable universes: the world of chaste white Western men and the world of lascivious dark-skinned men from the Middle East and surroundings. Having been conceived, produced and released at the exact moment when torture was widely used by the Americans, when the War on Terror originated a true hysterical campaign against everything that is not American, Taken fulfilled a much greater role than entertaining. That film fixed prejudices, justified barbarism under a sentimental argument. In real life, what happens when the tortured person is mistakenly arrested? What are we to think and say about blue-eyed white torturers like those in Abu Ghraib prison photos? Fans of Taken will surely say that the mistakes are justified by the successes and that the blue-eyed whites are not torturers they are punishers. They obviously do not understand the difference between justice and the punisher. The first requires the rigorous application of a general law in an impersonal manner by an experienced judge based on a process in which the defendant has the right to defend himself and produce evidence. The punisher believes that he is the sole source of the Law and that he can personally execute his victims without bothering to listen to them or give them a chance to defend themselves. In a world where justice prevails, there is no room for punishers and torturers. In the world of the punisher, the Law and the innocent can be tortured alike. Taken's brutal aesthetics conspire against justice at a time when barbarism dominated the supposedly civilized world.

[@dianaflorea952]

amazing observation

[@ty.m.productions]

I've always loved your guys content! Keep it up! You guys are amazing! Keep up the great work!

[@perry7777]

Probably one of the most important essays you made. Should be essential viewing for anyone before any other lesson in film. Unfortunately media literacy is non existent and propaganda runs rampant.

[@jfb3567]

For a nice analysis and journey into the evolution of cinema, “A Short History Of The Movies”, by Gerald Mast and Bruce Kawin

[@Fleants]

You only put out a new video when you have something meaningful do say. And by doing so you have made viewing your work joyful and necessary Thank you

[@matthewglenguir7204]

Yeah but the reality is that these channels that values quality over quantity gets murdered by the KZbin algorithm

[@RaNc0R]

I prefer foreign films over Hollywood nowadays, especially Soviet Mosfilm movies; that doesn’t mean there are no good Hollywood movies but they are few and far between.

[@lucasfalco7655]

Soviet films are overrated

[@0xGEEK]

Can't wait for part 2!

[@prod.hxrford3896]

This video is such a banger, can't believe it doesn't have more views

[@matthewleger5605]

This is a really impressive compressed history. Thank you.

[@BogdanSorlea]

just before the pandemic was announced and it started to ramp up I was seriously considering improving my understanding of Russian and going for studying cinema at VGIK, even if it's not the same as what it once was. But then the war happened, so no-go :(

[@barathvenkatakrishnan7890]

1:34 Bro got no chill 😂

[@barrycohen311]

Excellent as usual.

[@pectenmaximus231]

Really exceptional work. Thank you.

[@Vosk21]

Your videos are a gift. Just watched Alexander Nevsky and this video drops in my timeline. perfect timing. Thank you for the rock solid comprehension

Excellent essay, but a misleading title. This was more about editing than propaganda. Definitely worth the time to watch it, though. Keep up the good work! 👍

[@decimusanothos5178]

Not to be rude, but that's kinda the point. Propaganda is the product of consciously editing and omitting sections of the truth to manipulate a certain perspective. Distortion is the byproduct of an obvious tamper.

@@decimusanothos5178 Fair enough

[@decimusanothos5178]

Very well said! Full agreement

@Woodsman So maybe the title could have read "Editing in the Service of Propaganda". Not super catchy, I agree...

[@jfb3567]

Considering most films are propaganda, maybe the title isn’t misleading-

[@trueKENTUCKY]

Lol the Montage is a Soviet artist invention

[@Geronimo_Jehoshaphat]

Anytime it croaks out of a Frog I just assume its bile.

[@rathodkaran6190]

Wheres the first interview from?

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

they are so distant from reality that while doing cinema they claim to negate the industry

[@Dadutta]

more dangerous than control of industry, forcing propaganda, is when industries voluntarily choose to create propaganda and align with government. that is true fascism.

[@KarlSnarks]

So like copaganda or military propaganda like Top Gun?

[@Marlo_Branco]

Another great video essay !

[@ndowroccus4168]

Ahem….capatilism is a mean mother.

[@Lopfff]

I love the Apocalypse Now analysis. And I respect the OP’s viewpoint. But I have a quibble. The thesis is based on “dehumanization.” However, “dehumanization” connotes the idea of someone or something doing the dehumanizing. Soldiers dehumanize their enemies, etc. But the theme of the movie (and the original novel) is exactly the opposite. The theme of the novel and the movie: it is civilization which HUMANIZES us. Thus, the farther we go from civilization, the deeper we go down the river and into the jungle, the further we descend into the heart of darkness, the less civilized we become and the less “human” we become and therefore the more we return to the “primitive state of man,” our savage animal nature which resides in the original heart of who we are. It’s not about “dehumanization.” It’s about “decivilization.” The only characters who make it to the “heart/Kurtz” are the ones who can handle the un/de-civilized reality of the heart of darkness. Those who are too civilized, and can’t handle the animalistic and primitive nature which resides within all of us (in our heart) cannot survive. Civilization is the fragile veneer of rationality obscuring the heart of insanity within all of us. Sorry to put this comment here; but the comments are turned off on the Apocalypse video. Cheers!

[@aslanyureky]

Proud of my school VGIK, it still one of the best if not the best in cinematography.

[@tylerlynch2849]

The way the Soviets seized on a burgeoning art form to promote class struggle is admirable and interesting

[@maratkaidauloff3585]

This vid is actually very well edited

[@jfb3567]

Extensive use of the Debrie Parvo French camera-

[@HeavyLifters]

This is one of the best videos Cinema Cartography has ever done.

[@erichaynes5826]

I wonder how many graduates of that Soviet film school died in the gulags

[@suesmith9665]

Just to let you know that a priest and a pair of mickey mouse ear was in the clouds in my dream. Mouse ear symbolized kingdom. The clouds has flowing water and two high towers.

[@pf887]

add subtles and labels for the films that are being show in real time.

[@beckrobson9785]

pretty sure the new Babylon is by Damien Chazelle

[@Shindai]

what's that awesome shot at 12:00 from?

[@alexh1681]

Strike - by Eisenstein

[@lostsoul2184]

Finally . Someone's askin the big question

[@rathodkaran6190]

Man you guys should give the links to all the interviews you put man WHERE THE FUCK IS THE FIRST INTERVIEW FROM?

[@juniorberns]

Interesting genre for its uses and history. Not a lot of special effects or such but it very surreal.

[@thespacecowboy420]

I farted

[@kationqwerty8544]

hi from VGIC, fellas

[@--.-.-.--...---.-.-]

What's the piano song around 7 to 9 mins?

[@Ratnoseterry]

Gnossienne No 1 - Erik Satie

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

it is not a song

[@homeland1128]

I hate it when an actual good series (or movies) slowly bluntly turn into it's propaganda-ish side *cough* *cough* homeland *cough*

[@matheusvillela9150]

It was always propaganda

[@habadasheryjones]

If you have a Network TV show about a government organization, 9 times out of 10 its gonna be propaganda. If its produced by Fox it may as well be 10 times out of 10.

[@salomelol337]

do you have examples for this?

[@habadasheryjones]

@@salomelol337 24 is a good example. It's basically American propaganda/fantasy revenge wish fulfillment following 911. In this case the government organization is the fictional CTU (counter terrorism unit). Being an early 00s show, it echoes alot of the Bush Administration views towards national security and the patriot act. The sparknotes takeaway being: America will defeat the terrorists, at any cost. It wasn't unusual in an episode (pick one) to have the main character, Jack Bauer, torturing whoever he deemed necessary in a desperate effort to avert the terrorist attack of the season. "Tell me where the bomb is!" Sometimes the torturees deserved it. Sometimes they really didn't. It was always super illegal which never stopped him. I don't exactly remember if Jack Bauer ever waterboarded anyone but it honestly wouldn't surprise me because I plainly remember him doing much worse. And most of the torture just got causally brushed off in the end. Who needs justice for human rights violations, when in the end, America won, right? I enjoyed the suspense of the show in my younger years and if I shut my brain off just right I can still enjoy it now. Kiefer Sullivan is a hell of an actor and no one can accuse him of turning in a bad acting job on that show. But if I do any independent thought while watching that show, I feel like a 20 year old, crisp, folded American flag is being forcibly shoved down my gullet. Now that I'm thinking about it, its funny the way people accepted that type of blatant political backseating in their media yesterday, but will go ballistic about something as politically benign as a black or female main character today.

[@THICCTHICCTHICC]

Basically all American shit is propaganda lol

[@VitaliyMilonov]

Who was in the first interview?

[@rayofficial5170]

That's the ticket to win Oscar though.

[@No.0.o.0]

Good filmmakers never intend to win a scumbag popularity contest.

[@1232-z4n]

Examples?

[@obscure.reference]

@@1232-z4n why are you trolling

[@1232-z4n]

@@obscure.reference huh? I just want to know more examples lul

[@obscure.reference]

@@1232-z4n “lul” tells me all i need to know, the list of oscar winning films is incredibly easy to find. a discerning mind can tell which are propaganda.

[@bigol9223]

I don't see how people could read that actor's blank, slight smirk as being sad for the girl. Let alone how they couldn't tell it's the same expression each time.

[@ijfcave]

i'd assumed that it was a different set of people being shown each combination

[@bigol9223]

@@ijfcave then why would they describe the actor's "emotional range" if they only saw him juxtaposed with one scenario?

[@dimkilago2958]

@@bigol9223 Who said that was sad? Because it is a different feeling to laugh at someone who is dying and another with a child who is playing, for example. The expression is the same, the feeling and the thought behind it is different.

[@jamesallard7223]

Well done. Thanks!

[@luismarioguerrerosanchez4747]

Q: Can cinema be a tool for propaganda? A: Absolutely Q: Is it always a bad thing? A: No.

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

well, any communist propaganda can´t be a good thing . There are many other films made outside of this paradigm, and have artistical innovation etc

[@luismarioguerrerosanchez4747]

@@emanuel_soundtrack Battleship Potemkin wants to chat with you.

[@KarlSnarks]

@@emanuel_soundtrack Parasite is pretty good communist propaganda :)

[@AJX-2]

propaganda is fine as long as it's my side doing it

[@KarlSnarks]

@@AJX-2 and if it isn't misleading.

[@eskybakzu712]

Why is Deleuze here

[@rebelconsolo9212]

Don't judge me for asking but what's the track title at the 2:40 mark? Please and thank you

[@MozartDylan]

Erik Satie

[@pf887]

who does he say after abel gance?

[@ButtersCCookie]

Why the comment section open?

[@ListenHereOldMan]

it's been open for a few vids, and look at all these ignorant comments. not difficult to see why they'd like to keep work clean of the BS that ppl post in here

[@antoinepetrov]

Would anyone please tell me who the man from the first clip is?

[@antoinepetrov]

@D.Mixalis Thanks

[@Laocoon283]

Yea but they would never do that now adays.

[@JazZia]

That were sodding beautiful; dense, in the cordial sense

[@WhoisTheOtherVindAzz]

Can I wait an hour or so before I watch this or will it be gone by then? 😅

[@jackson_polack]

guys what is a clip in 3:28?

[@alexh1681]

The Last Laugh - by Murnau

[@jeanguy_g]

Hi, Does someone know what is the film at 3:10? Thank you!

[@alexh1681]

I think its from Napoleon by Abel Gance

[@byronfoodjikla]

what's the movie at 2:18?

[@_scabs6669]

FINALLY someone says it

[@skooptywooop1030]

Ah yes the mcu definitely not us military propaganda and definitely not top gun

[@erinkubat]

Another amazing video 🤌

[@abelardogreen]

The Japanese learned it from the African pyramid builders.

[@jmiquelmb]

If that’s a Jewish conspiracy theory, you should know that the Israelites didn’t build the pyramids

[@0Luxis0]

Outstanding.

[@No_one795]

When you are realize that cinema IS AN INDUSTRY....

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

they are so distant from reality that while doing cinema they claim to negate the industry

[@steveennever9905]

Stunning

[@prod.hxrford3896]

Good stuff

[@BehappyBhairava]

👏👏👏

[@coninia]

[@Alexander1005]

Bravo

[@conordiggin6749]

Lets gooo

[@lawrylong7384]

Get a whole month free” Hahahah a

[@drumbum3.142]

I Personally Increasingly Prefer films whose propaganda it is to be Intellectually Stimulating

[@-IE_it_yourself]

3days without a meal, i what you need for a revolution. something like that.

[@jojipoji2322]

You're pretty smart. Curious what side you dress though.

[@luismarioguerrerosanchez4747]

Art!

[@Egle3]

❤

[@มดแดง-ฃ3ข]

เพื่ออเมริกาจะทำให้พวกฉันว่างงานแน่นอนมันก็ทำรายได้ได้อยู่แต่สาระปัญหามันจะได้รับการแก้ไขพวกนั้นก็คงจับชั้นแน่นอน

[@SirKasey]

First

[@hmmm4094]

top

[@tsp1999]

The only American propaganda film you'll ever need to see is Maverick

[@BugVlogs]

What about Casablanca?

[@tsp1999]

@@BugVlogs That too

[@forgivelennon5016]

And the first Top Gun. In fact, you can pretty much guarantee that any big budget American flick is propaganda of some sort. Why else would they spend so much money? ;)

[@avillianchillinskrillian]

@@forgivelennon5016 "they" is a single studio just trying to make profit.

[@forgivelennon5016]

@@avillianchillinskrillian Nope.

[@thato596]

Your video is just propaganda also

[@tehjamerz]

Imagine not using the Israeli flag for the thumbnail Already know this video is half the story at best

[@1232-z4n]

Huh?

[@tehjamerz]

@@1232-z4n hUh?!1

[@1232-z4n]

@@tehjamerz How many israeli movies have u saw?

[@tehjamerz]

@123 223 any movie that comes out of Hollywood would qualify

[@1232-z4n]

@@tehjamerz That's not how it works mate

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

MOre one young boy falling in love with beautiful ideas and forgetting reality, while reading on YT his homework . YOu give the impression that one needs communism to have sophisticated and artistical cinema. German expressionism proves the contrary

[@maxbarker8625]

Zizek is love zizek is life

[@matheusvillela9150]

No so much today with his simping for NATO

[@1232-z4n]

​@@matheusvillela9150 Being against an imperialist invasion makes you a NATO simp? Lmao, tankies always hated Zizek, be real.

[@matheusvillela9150]

@@1232-z4n He called for more funding to NATO, which was responsible for the vast majority of imperialist invasions since its foundation

[@matheusvillela9150]

@@1232-z4n Not true at all, Zizek was pretty well liked amongst marxists. I like.some of his stuff, It's only his recent stances that are quite deplorable. His free style psycoanalitical interpretation of geopolitical events sometimes backfires

[@1232-z4n]

@@matheusvillela9150 Deplorable? Again, how? He's against a imperialist invasion and the war crimes comitted by Putin, deplorable?

[@canerbaykara2639]

Don't go calling "Birth of a Nation" a seminal epic.

[@CautiousKieran]

Don't teach Heidegger in schools either!

[@jfb3567]

Can’t hide history-and the evolution of cinema even if the subject matter offends

[@stagemaker8869]

@@CautiousKieran Sure -- censor tainted work; just like the Nazis did! That will show how 'free' we are....Moralism in education is a contemporary disease

[@reb7855]

Gay

[@youknowwhoiam6484]

As a upcoming filmmaker fighting the communist ecosystem, this video inspires me more to make narratives to destroy their propaganda!

[@GriboedovAnton]

man, you are a product of you time, you know that?)

[@jfb3567]

Considering “The Battleship Potemkin was indeed State Propaganda he is not wrong

[@dimkilago2958]

They call it parranoia dude, go to a doctor.

[@JoyOfSuicide]

Shit! Great ending

[@pinkpink10430]

What is this movie at 3:14

[@kalakritistudios]

Well, it was nice knowing you.🥲

[@avillianchillinskrillian]

?

[@barrycohen311]

@@avillianchillinskrillian His channel will be banned immediately for promoting Russian Art.

[@CarrotConsumer]

Except it won't.

[@jfb3567]

Russians didn’t run the Soviet Union

[@KarlSnarks]

@@barrycohen311 It's still up my guy