The Cinematic Griot: The Ethnography of Jean Rouch FROM THE PUBLISHER
The most prolific ethnographic filmmaker in the world, a pioneer of cine ma ve rite and one of the earliest ethnographers of African societies, Jean Rouch (1917-) remains a controversial and often misunderstood figure in histories of anthropology and film. By examining Rouch's neglected ethnographic writings, Paul Stoller seeks to clarify the filmmaker's true place in anthropology. A brief account of Rouch's background, revealing the ethnographic foundations and intellectual assumptions underlying his fieldwork among the Songhay of Niger in the 1940s and 1950s, sets the stage for his emergence as a cinematic griot, a peripatetic bard who "recites" the story of a people through provocative imagery. Against this backdrop, Stoller considers Rouch's writings on Songhay history, myth, magic and possession, migration, and social change. By analyzing in depth some of Rouch's most important films and assessing Rouch's ethnography in terms of his own expertise in Songhay culture, Stoller demonstrates the inner connection between these two modes of representation. Stoller, who has done more fieldwork among the Songhay than anyone other than Rouch himself, here gives the first full account of Rouch the griot, whose own story scintillates with important implications for anthropology, ethnography, African studies, and film.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
How and why did censorship of films begin? The question is inextricably connected to the history of sexuality. This is a lengthy and intellectual examination of the beginning of his phenomenon. The author uses both specific films and particular issues to analyze how social and political forces intersected to bring about the institutionalization of censorship. It has a decidedly British slant. Only few (and poor) stills. Recommended for advanced women's studies and film programs. Explores the work of French filmmaker Rouch in recording the spiritual practices and other behavior of tribal people in the Niamey region of Niger. Also considers his training in ethnography, and the significance of his work to the field. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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