Role of Music in the Development of Arab Cinema - Essay Example

Response Paper: Andrew Hammond and the Decline of Arab Cinema Andrew Hammond explains that after the 1970s, there was a decline in Arab Cinema. In explaining his point, Hammond gives an example of three countries, namely Egypt, Lebanon and Iraq (Hammond, 120). There was a decline in the Egyptian Cinema because of the unreformed political and economic system of Egypt. Hammond explains that the Egyptian politicians who took over in the 1970s were not nationalists, and they were not committed to the development of the Egyptian Cinema.

The political system was undemocratic, and it curtailed on free speech, which is a major element that determines the growth and development of cinema. The nationalization of the Egyptian cinema industry also played a role in destroying creativity, amongst producers. This in turn, led to the decline of the Egyptian Cinema (Hammond, 122). In Lebanon, its 15 year civil war played a role in the decline of the cinema industry, while the war between Iraq and Iran in the 1980s, hampered the growth of cinema in these two countries.

Hammond and Shafik on the extent that Islam has affected the Arab Cinema: Viola Shafik argues that the traditional Islamic principles of representation are rarely applied or used in the Arab Cinema (54). Examples of these representations include non-spatial paintings of structures, ornamental rhythms of arabesque, etc. Shafik (62) further argues that almost all film makers, in the Arab world are using classic rules of Western art, to make their films. Shafik further denotes that the 20th century saw an increase in the use of a three-dimensional realistic art, and the use of new ideas that govern film production.

This was able to promote artists as geniuses, undermining the traditional crafts and arts that were influenced by Islam. Shafik also denotes that Arab cinema has given women an important role in the film industry, and this is in line with the principles of Islam, which identify women as important pillars of the society (Shafik, 78). Hammond on the other hand argues that Islam has had a major contribution on film industry in the Arab world. This is because movies are censured, and any film that depicts Prophet Mohammed in a bad away is censured.

Furthermore, all films produced in the Arab world, have to conform to the principles of Islam. This is one area where Viola Shafik and Andrew Hammond agreed upon. Any film that criticizes the personality of Prophet Mohammed is censored. Symbolism an Arab Cinema: Viola Shafik asserts that the use of symbolism in Arab art is not common. However, in the cinema, Symbolism has greatly been used, for purposes of identifying a hidden meaning, or representing an idea or a group of people. She gives an example of the movie, the White Rose, which was produced in 1933/1934 (Shafik, 80).

A White Rose in this movie is a symbol of pure love, which is devoid of any hidden intentions. Forms or Elements of Popular Theatre; Talks or identifies the current issues affecting the society. Glorifies an individual artist as a genius. Identification of the current issues that affect Islam and this includes the rise of Jihad movements, and Palestinian rights. Role of Music in the Development of Arab Cinema: Music played a significant role, in the development of Arab Cinema. This is mainly because some of the musicians were able to take part as actors (Hammond, 117).

A good example is Leila Mourad, who was a Jewish Egyptian. Leila began her career as a musician, and was later drafted into the film industry by Mohammed Abdel Wahab. Her successes made other musicians to join the film industry, and popularize it. Works Cited: Hammond, Andrew. Pop Culture Arab World! Media, Arts, and Lifestyle. Santa Barbara, Calif.: ABC-CLIO, 2005. Print. Top of Form Bottom of Form Shafik, Viola. Arab Cinema History and Cultural Identity. Cairo: American U in Cairo, 1998. Print.