Film theorist Scott CooperÆs 1989 article, ôThe Study of Third Cinema in the United States: A Reaffirmation,ö is a rebuttal to scholars in American universities who call Third Cinema obsolete and outdated. The purpose of his article is to reaffirm the ongoing study of Third Cinema as both important and vital. The article examines the relationship of film scholars in the United States ôto the practice and politics of Third Cinemaö (218), and is based on a talk Cooper gave at a film conference.
Cooper acknowledges that many different perspectives exist among film scholars on the issue of Third Cinema.
Third Cinema uses film to promote social change and whether fiction or non-fiction, Third Cinema films deal with cultural and political issues that reflect the real world. Although these films seek to educate people, the filmmakers also want to appeal to popular audiences; one example is Spike LeeÆs 1989 film ôDo the Right Thing.ö He contends that it is more useful to view the differing perspectives in terms of ôvarying positions within the dynamics of cultural and cross-cultural politicsö (218). Third Cinema relies on the filmmakers conception of a film, and not on any particular political approach. This means that any subject would be appropriate to a Third World film although most would necessarily deal with ôrelations and struggles of powerö (219). It is therefore important to have ôan understanding of the political, cultural and economic specificity and impactö of these films (221).
Cooper contends that Third Cinema is a call for social and cultural transformation, and therefore as relevant today as it was when it emerged in the 1960s and 1970s. ôWhile historical contexts and aesthetic responses may change, its mandate still holdsö (221). He states that people in the West, such as those working in the Hollywood industry and independent film producers, are all part of the cultural and cross-cultural strug...