Abbas’ view on relationship between cinema and city is interesting that he mentioned many cities are losing their identity because of extensive creation of city’s images through landmarks, urban planners or designers tend to create and build iconic landmark to make a city remarkable and they as a creator may give a value to the design but I think “images of the city” does not come from what designers try to present while it depends on viewers’ perception and own experience. “it is invisible because it is exorbitant” lasts in my mind but I think city would not be affected because of too much imagery. People interpret city not just base on physical matter but also through their engagement, memories with city. These “historical” and “mental” factor forms an unique image on their city which is different from each other. Moreover, I agree that cinematic images reinforce city’s image by how films are portraying the city experience throughout different time space as viewers can observe “polychronic” city in one presence.Lastly, it is provoking that he said films help building up a city’s image while city is losing its identity.
3035825083 Lai Man Ching
You raised an intriguing point in your essay, particularly on the image of the city. Kevin Lynch actually published a small book titled “The Image of the City” in 1960, in which he discussed thoroughly the city’s structure, identities, and how planners/urban designers could contribute to building a memorable city. Ironically to the “generic city” notion, Lynch pointed out “landmarks” as one of the key elements in setting up the city’s image; one of the reasons that we keep on building landmarks to signify the city. I think you made a couple of good points already. I would suggest elaborating a little bit more on your thoughts in the last sentence for the reader to better follow your train-of-thoughts. How have films helped to build the image of the city while the city is losing its identity at the same time? What is the significance of this portrayal/depiction in city-making? Lastly, remember to cite the text appropriately when you referred to it in your writings.