Authority year zero : on Germany year zero -- The image that waits : on Satantango -- The end of authority, the end of democracy : on woman on the beach -- Force, hope, and death : on medium cool -- Coda : political modernism and the possibility for action.
Exploring the political dimensions of ambiguity in art cinema, this work examines films from Italy, Hungary, South Korea, and the United States. It argues that the unique characteristics of art cinema emerged during transitions from authoritarian regimes to democratic societies. By analyzing these films, the author highlights how ambiguity can serve as a powerful tool for political expression and reflection during times of significant societal change.