German Ways of War

This book delves into the political dimensions of war films, revealing how German Ways of War negotiates spaces that frame violence beyond battle scenes.

In German Ways of War, the author explores the intricate relationship between war films and their political implications through the lenses of space, mobility, and affect. This comprehensive analysis spans decades, from the 1910s to the 2000s, revealing how these films negotiate various spaces to frame their portrayals of violence. The book argues that the representation of violence in war films extends beyond mere battle scenes, offering a deeper understanding of the political narratives they convey.

The text addresses a significant gap in media studies by shifting focus from the conventional parallels drawn between cinematic observation and weaponized targeting. Instead, German Ways of War emphasizes the spatial dynamics at play within the genre, highlighting how the production of novel spaces and the evocation of new affects transform the viewer's experience. This exploration includes the manipulation of mobility, landscape, and territory, alongside the intricate topological networks that shape the films’ narratives.

Author Jaimey Fisher introduces the concept of “affective geographies,” which illustrates how narrative-generated affects, spatial representations, and political processes intertwine. By examining these elements, German Ways of War provides a fresh perspective on how war films not only depict violence but also shape and reflect the socio-political contexts in which they are situated, leading to a richer understanding of their impact on audiences.