Observing Depth: A photographically-fixated writer ponders the demise of a Hungarian cinema scene
Berlin author Esther Kinsky, born in West Germany, has released a new novel that delves into the question of what society chooses to look at, particularly in the age of streaming. In her literary and cultural commentary, Kinsky has expressed critical views on the impact of streaming services on societal choices and the cinema as a "place of wonder" and a shared cultural institution.
Kinsky's novel, set in a remote Hungarian town, tells the story of a woman's attempts to reopen a shuttered cinema, named Mozi. The author's perspective views streaming platforms as shaping and limiting what society chooses to engage with, potentially narrowing cultural focus and diminishing the diversity and serendipity of encounters that traditional media environments, such as cinemas, once offered.
Regarding cinema, Kinsky values it as a "place of wonder," emphasising its role as a shared cultural space where collective experiences are formed. In her novel, each gaze in the cinema is on its own horizon, creating a sense of unity and shared experience. Conversely, Kinsky criticises the solitary and personalised nature of streaming at home, which she believes can undermine the wonder, reflection, and social connection fostered by cinemas.
The novel is interwoven with bittersweet stories about the town's inhabitants and moody old photographs, adding depth and richness to the narrative. Kinsky's argument for the importance of the cinema is softly spoken yet profound, highlighting its role beyond algorithmically curated individual consumption.
Esther Kinsky's latest work is a brilliant exploration of the power of cinema in society, underscoring its continued importance in an era where streaming services threaten to replace traditional media institutions. The novel serves as a poignant reminder of the communal experiences and shared wonder that can be found in the darkened halls of a cinema.
The novel, penned by Esther Kinsky, dissects the impact of streaming services on society's choices, delving into the shifting landscape within fashion-and-beauty, lifestyle, entertainment, and even social-media consumption. Kinsky's novel, set in a remote Hungarian town, highlights the value of a cinema, Mozi, as a shared cultural space, emphasizing its role in fostering unity, wonder, and reflection, contrasted with the solitary nature of streaming at home.
