Orientalism in Film
The Movement and its Affect on Modern Views
Background
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Edward Said's Orientalism
The term 'Orientalism' was first coined by Edward Said, a professor at Columbia University. Said, a Palestinian-American, observed a multitude of art pieces and literature depicting the world he grew up in, noticing a significant disparity. Something didn't align with his experience and the world portrayed in these artistic works. These disparities led Said to formulate the concept of Orientalism in 1978. Defined as the Western lens through which the East is perceived, Orientalism has persisted throughout the post-colonial era. Its usage in popular media served to justify colonialist ideologies, perpetuating the spread of the idea that people in the East are uncivilized and in need of salvation.
This view can be seen through different mediums, whether it is paintings, literature, or film.
Characteristics of Orientalism
Orientalism as a concept can be very broad, however, there are a few recurring characteristics in film that can be associated with Orientalist depictions:
- Exotic landscapes
- Mysterious and exotic Middle Eastern women
- Violent Middle Eastern men, playing into the terrorist stereotype
- Presence of a Western savior
- India as a place to find spirituality
- Combining of cultures to form one Oriental region
These themes, in some combination, can be seen in each of these films that are listed below:
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Dune (2021)
Aladdin (1992)
The Darjeeling Limited (2007)
Mulan (1998)
Isle of Dogs (2018)
Lawrence of Arabia
Lawrence of Arabia is often considered one of the more famous examples of Orientalism in film. The movie follows T.E. Lawrence, a British soldier during World War I, on his mission through the Arabian peninsula to gain support from Arab groups to overthrow the Turkish presence in the region. The film contains several Oriental subtexts, notably portraying the Arabian region as a place in need of salvation by Lawrence. Arab people are depicted as barbaric and uncivilized, requiring European intervention to mold them into greatness.
Well Scene - Lawrence Of Arabia
A lot can be inferred from this scene. The mysteriousness of Ali, as he approaches the well through the alien-like landscape, embodies the mysticism often associated with the Orient in Western perceptions. The contrast between Tafas hunched over, drinking with his hands, and Lawrence sipping from his cup reinforces the notion that Arabs are perceived as uncivilized people in need of European assistance. Lawrence even verbalizes this sentiment at the end of the scene, telling Ali that they will never become civilized unless they unite as one.
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
This first installment of the Indiana Jones series follows Indiana as he embarks on a quest to find the Ark of the Covenant, leading him to the Middle East. The whole movie romanticizes Indiana's archaeological expedition, presenting it as an exhilarating journey into the unknown. The inhabitants of the regions Indiana explores are depicted as stereotypical Orientals, portrayed as primitive, exotic, and uncivilized in contrast to Indiana Jones's character.
Indiana Jones - Arab Swordsman Scene
For example, in this scene, Indiana Jones navigates through a bustling crowd, ultimately encountering a man wielding a sword. This character is depicted in exotic attire and is portrayed as a violent Arab. Indiana swiftly shoots the man, reinforcing the stereotype that Arabs are primitive and easily vanquished. Additionally, the chaotic aftermath of the encounter further emphasizes the perception of an uncivilized, almost juvenile environment.
Dune
Dune, although a science-fiction story set in a fictional universe, still incorporates Orientalist themes. Firstly, the planet Arrakis is depicted as a highly enigmatic place. Many of the garments worn by the natives resemble Arabic attire, and the desert landscape, along with the name Arrakis ('IRAQ-is'), evokes parallels with the Orient.
Arrival To Arrakis | Dune (2021) [4K 60FPS]
This scene introduces Arrakis, portraying it as an alien world shrouded in mystery. The inhabitants are depicted wearing attire reminiscent of Arabic clothing, which adds to the sense of mystery and mystique surrounding them. The arrival of a more dominant group invites comparisons to colonial times and, akin to Lawrence of Arabia, presents a narrative of a white savior figure for this enigmatic world.
Aladdin
Aladdin, as an animated film, can exacerbate cultural stereotypes in ways that may not be achieved by live-action movies. While the story unfolds in an imagined city in the Arabian Peninsula, Aladdin incorporates elements from various Oriental cultures, contributing to the perception of the East as a monolithic region. For instance, the inclusion of pet tigers and characters riding elephants, symbols often associated with the Indian subcontinent, blurs the distinctions between different Eastern cultures for Western viewers.
Aladdin - One Jump Ahead [HD]
This musical number is rife with Oriental stereotypes. Whether it's the depiction of barbaric, violent Arab guards, the portrayal of mysterious and over-sexualized women, or the representation of exotic street performers, this scene constructs an image of an adventurous and thrilling exotic world. Even the coloring enhances the sense of exoticism.
The Darjeeling Limited
This movie follows three American brothers as they journey through India on a train in search of self-discovery and awakening. Like the other films listed here, this movie presents its setting as an exotic world. Although the brothers travel through India, there is very little substantial interaction with any Indian people, and the film primarily utilizes India as an exotic backdrop for the Westerners' journey.
Mulan
Shan Yu - Villain in Mulan
Mulan centers around the story of a woman during the Han dynasty in China who takes her father's place in the army to protect him. While the movie is set in China, many aspects of Japanese culture seep into the film, once again portraying East Asian cultures as a monolith. Mulan also depicts villains in a very similar manner, often with a long, thin mustache and dark eyebrows, conforming to the stereotypical image of a Chinese villain in Western films.
Mulan- MatchMaker Clip (HD)
In this clip where Mulan meets with the matchmaker, she is dressed in clothing that appears Japanese. Her attire looks more similar to a kimono than clothing from the Han dynasty, and her powdered-white face resembles that of a geisha. Both are symbols of Japanese culture, once again illustrating Disney's blending of two distinct cultures.
Isle of Dogs
Isle of Dogs is an animated film that tells the story of a young boy's quest to find his lost dog on a dystopian island of exiled canines. The film is set in a fictionalized Japanese setting; however, viewers often do not interact with the Japanese characters. Many of the Japanese lines remain untranslated, making it difficult for viewers to relate to these characters. In Isle of Dogs, the day is saved by an American exchange student named Tracy. Tracy is the only person who dares to stand up in support of the exiled dogs and acts in a white savior role - the American girl who comes over and fixes things for the Japanese because they couldn't.
Political and Cultural Implications
Now, considering all these examples of stereotypical depictions of the East in movies, one might wonder: so what? How could these depictions hold any relevance in today's society? Well, since their inception, movies have always wielded a significant influence on our lives. Whether it's children dressing up as their favorite superhero for Halloween or individuals constantly quoting lines like "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse" in any situation, movies shape the way we behave. This holds for depictions of the Orient as well. Scenes portraying Arabic people as violent, terroristic individuals who are impervious to reason can influence our real-life perceptions and foster widespread biases against entire groups of people. For instance, films where the protagonist effortlessly defeats Arab soldiers or where native people are reduced to a backdrop can dehumanize groups of individuals and make it difficult for Westerners to empathize with people from these regions, especially when their primary exposure to such cultures is through these Orientalist portrayals.
Orientalism has real-life consequences associated with its dispersion in popular culture that can negatively impact people living on the other side of the globe.