Film as a Source of Historical Knowledge. Jews in American Society and Film of the 20th Century Cover Image

Film jako źródło wiedzy historycznej: Żydzi w społeczeństwie i filmie amerykańskim XX w.
Film as a Source of Historical Knowledge. Jews in American Society and Film of the 20th Century

Author(s): Zbigniew Lewicki
Subject(s): Fine Arts / Performing Arts, Film / Cinema / Cinematography
Published by: Instytut Sztuki Polskiej Akademii Nauk
Keywords: American cinema; Jews in America;Jewish culture

Summary/Abstract: The article deals with the question of film as a source of historical knowledge using the example of how Jews were treated in American society in the 20th century and how this was reflected in films. His analysis suggests that there is a clear correlation between historical events of this period and the frequency and manner of portraying the dilemmas of the religiously and culturally separate Jewish minority in the United States. But this is not a one-sided relationship, as films not only reflected this social issue, but also influenced American attitudes towards the Jewish minority. Although the question of the role played by films in historiography requires further, wider investigations, the article clearly shows that with certain caution, films can be treated as a source of historical knowledge, and especially on the social attitudes of the era.

  • Issue Year: 2016
  • Issue No: 93-94
  • Page Range: 154-176
  • Page Count: 23
  • Language: Polish