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Monday, October 4, 2010

E-Flux and Video

The resurrection of older and obscure works of art, although in a degradated manner, has been an overall positive phenomenon.  The author is correct in stating in this current neoliberal age, the commercialization of cinema has pushed independent film and video to the edges of obscurity.  These works would have been forever forgotten if it were not for the internet and its ability to easily share low quality images.  It is mostly true that it is not the ideal form in which the artist had envisioned his work to be displayed, but my feeling is they would rather be seen in a poor quality than not at all.  Also, as long as access to archived originals come at a price (whether it is monetary or convenience) those interested will continue to distribute them in many forms, as long as it is free.
The illusion that television is packaged as reality is relevant to the current neoliberal era.  Mainstream media and news television have been propaganda pieces for the powers that be, under the guise of providing unbiased news. Thus, selling neoliberal ideas while at the same time being a product of it.  Work your way up to the top of any of the networks, and you will find only a small number of corporations in control and an even smaller number of individual decision makers.  Furthermore, the advent of the "reality" show, which is not really reality at all but carefully scripted programs under tight parameters, is not just a matter of what the public wants.  This has been a huge monetary savings for the broadcast industry.  Production is cheap, no need for high paid actors in unions, and there is the chance to create cash-cow "stars" and spin-offs from these shows.  Television seems to be one illusion after another.

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