Anti-hero, Anti-drama and Surreal ——On the Poetic Presentation of Jia Zhangke's Films

Abstract

Jia Zhangke, a prominent figure among the sixth generation of directors, is known for his works that embody strong poetic aesthetic qualities. His films are rooted in realistic documentation, while poetic expression serves as the hallmark of his cinematic style. This paper aims to analyze and synthesize the methods of poetic depiction employed in Jia Zhangke's oeuvre. Through meticulous film screenings and literature reviews, several recurring features have been identified. Firstly, his narratives often revolve around anti-heroic, marginal characters, observing the lives of various beings amidst shifting times. Secondly, he eschews the conventional "four-act" narrative structure, exhibiting an anti-dramatic tendency, and employs block narration. By steering away from suspenseful plot devices and softening the logical coherence of his film stories, he cultivates a poetic narrative akin to prose poetry. Lastly, Jia Zhangke incorporates open-ended conclusions and surreal scenes laden with poetic metaphors into his films, thereby constructing narratives with symbolic implications. This approach elicits empathy from viewers, imbuing Jia Zhangke's films with a profound sense of poetry and offering inspiration for filmmakers seeking to incorporate poetic elements into their creations.