What Makes Us Love a Film?

The question of what makes us love a film and not others is a complex one. According to Saudi critic and writer Tariq al-Khawaji, it’s all about the film’s ability to touch our depths. In his new book, "Eyes status in Widden is put to trial, but opens a door for dialogue with films through the lens of the topic (the characteristics)," al-Khawaji explores the idea that films can be understood and appreciated through their underlying themes and motifs.

The Importance of Filmic Topics

Al-Khawaji’s book is based on the concept of "filmic topics," which refers to the underlying themes and ideas that drive a film’s narrative. He argues that these topics are what give a film its depth and meaning, and that they are often more important than the film’s genre or style. By analyzing a film’s topics, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the film’s message and themes.

Choosing the Right Approach

When asked why he chose to focus on filmic topics in his book, al-Khawaji explained that he wanted to move away from the traditional approach of classifying films by genre. He believes that this approach is often superficial and doesn’t do justice to the complexity of a film. By focusing on topics, al-Khawaji aims to provide a more nuanced and thoughtful understanding of cinema.

The Most Challenging Topic

Al-Khawaji’s book covers 12 main topics, but he found that the most difficult one to tackle was the topic of love. He explains that love is a complex and multifaceted theme that can be difficult to capture on film. To address this challenge, al-Khawaji divided the topic of love into four axes: romantic emotional love, platonic love, motherly love, and destructive love.

The Influence of Andre Tarkovsky

Al-Khawaji’s book is heavily influenced by the work of Russian director Andre Tarkovsky. He credits Tarkovsky with making him love cinema, not just films. Tarkovsky’s unique style and approach to filmmaking have had a profound impact on al-Khawaji’s understanding of the medium.

Modern Cinema and Lost Topics

When asked about modern cinema, al-Khawaji expressed his concern that some topics have lost their shine. He believes that the overuse of certain themes, such as dystopia and technology, has led to a kind of "waste culture" in cinema. However, he also notes that there are still many filmmakers who are able to treat these topics in innovative and thoughtful ways.

Personal Connections to Film

Al-Khawaji’s personal connection to film is rooted in his love of themes that explore the human condition. He is particularly drawn to films that grapple with questions! of life and death, and the meaning of existence. These themes resonate deeply with him, and he believes that they are essential to the cinematic experience.

The Audience for the Book

Al-Khawaji’s book is intended for a wide range of readers, from casual film fans to specialists and critics. He hopes that the book will provide a new perspective on cinema, and inspire readers to think more deeply about the films they watch.

The Future of Saudi Cinema

Finally, al-Khawaji is optimistic about the future of Saudi cinema. He believes that the scene is experiencing a real awakening, with many new and exciting films being produced. While there are still challenges to be overcome, al-Khawaji is confident that Saudi cinema will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.