Reading Recommendation: “Farewells and Departures: Age in Cinema”

As our society continues to age, the depiction of the “Third Age”—the period of life after retirement—takes on increasing significance. “Abschiede und Aufbrüche: Das Alter im Film” (Farewells and Departures: Age in Cinema) edited by Reinhold Zwick, Joachim Valentin, and Viera Pirker, is an essential resource for exploring this theme across various film genres. This book dives into how cinema portrays elderly protagonists who are navigating existential challenges and societal expectations, ranging from humorous “senior comedies” to poignant tragedies.

Significantly, our project, AGE-C: Ageing and Gender in European Cinema, is featured within this work, emphasizing the synergy between our research and ongoing cinematic explorations. The book provides in-depth analyses of films like “Lucky,” “45 Years,” “Youth,” and “Nomadland,” and includes contributions from distinguished experts such as Michael Haneke. This makes it a critical academic resource for deepening the understanding of how age and gender intersect in film.

For scholars and enthusiasts in film studies, gerontology, or cultural studies, “Abschiede und Aufbrüche: Das Alter im Film” (Farewells and Departures: Age in Cinema) is a compelling read. It challenges readers to rethink both the narrative and the portrayal of aging, offering fresh perspectives through the powerful medium of film.

Title: Abschiede und Aufbrüche: Das Alter im Film. (Farewells and Departures: Age in Cinema).
Author: Reinhold Zwick et al.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 224
Language: German
Year: 2024
Publisher: Schüren Verlag
ISBN: 9783741004599

Written by: Olena Gepper

Image credit: Canva.com

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