Introduction: The view from the train -- The poetic experience of townscape and landscape -- Atmosphere, palimpsest and other interpretations of landscape -- Port statistics -- The dilapidated dwelling -- Popular science -- Architectural cinematography -- London in the early 1990s -- London -- Rochester -- London -- The Robinson Institute -- The city of the future -- Film as spatial critique -- Phantom rides: the railway and early film -- Imaging.
Summary:
""Robinson believed that, if he looked at it hard enough, he could cause the surface of the city to reveal to him the molecular basis of historical events, and in this way he hoped to see into the future." In his sequence of films, Patrick Keiller retraces the hidden story of the places where we live, the cities and landscapes of our everyday lives. Now, in this brilliant collection of essays, he offers a new perspective on how Britain works and sees itself. He discusses the background to his work and its development - from surrealism to post-2008 economic catastrophe - and expands on what the films reveal. Referencing writers including Benjamin and Lefebvre, the essays follow his career since the late 1970s, exploring themes including the surrealist perception of the city; the relationship of architecture and film; how cities change over time, and how films represent this; as well as accounts of cross-country journeys involving historical figures, unexpected ideas and an urgent portrait of post-crash Britain"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.