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The Sight, Sound, and Global Traffic of Blackness in Blood Diamond

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 October 2013

Laura Chrisman
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Abstract:

This article explores the representation of Africa in director Edward Zwick's 2006 film Blood Diamond, examining in particular the ways in which the film's liberal-humanitarian orientation works to demonize black African communities, nationalisms, and governments while constituting a white and largely American subject as the center of ethical value. The article also examines the film's account of diamond consumption as a global phenomenon, and considers the ways in which sound and vision operate to devalue black diasporic as well as black continental African subjects.

Résumé:

Résumé:

Cet article explore la manière dont l'Afrique est représentée dans le film Blood Diamond du directeur Edward Zwick sorti en 2006, et examine en particulier les rôles que joue l'orientation libérale humanitaire du film dans sa diabolisation des communautés noires africaines, des nationalismes et des gouvernements, tout en plaçant un sujet blanc et largement américain au centre de sa mise en scène d'un discours éthique. L'article examine également le compte-rendu du film sur la consommation des diamants comme phénomène mondial et considère les manières dont le son et l'image sont utilisés pour dévaluer les personnages africains de la diaspora aussi bien que du continent.

Type
Research Article
Information
African Studies Review , Volume 55 , Issue 3 , December 2012 , pp. 123 - 144
Copyright
Copyright © African Studies Association 2012

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