Mao by Mao (1977)

A film-détournement biography of Mao Tse-tung in which the life of the recently deceased Great Helmsman is told in his own words, using quotes culled from various Red Guard publications. The rise to power of the film's namesake appears as the inevitable outcome of a dialectical logical. Or so the voice-over might lead one to believe. If the usual practice of détourned films is for the soundtrack to undermine the image, here the reverse occasionally takes place. The images critique Mao's words. They show that which, even in the official visual record of the times, the narrative elides. The film is dedicated to Li Yhi Zhe, the nominal author of a famous Democracy Wall critique of the Maoist state.

Director: René Viénet, Wu Xing-ming, Francis Deron
Genre: Documentary, History
Runtime: 28 min
Release Date:

Cast

Production: Les Films des Iles, INA
Country: France
Language: English
Original Language: en
More Films by Director: René Viénet, Wu Xing-ming, Francis Deron
More Films in Genre: Documentary, History

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mao by Mao about?
A film-détournement biography of Mao Tse-tung in which the life of the recently deceased Great Helmsman is told in his own words, using quotes culled from various Red Guard publications. The rise to power of the film's namesake appears as the inevitable outcome of a dialectical logical. Or so the voice-over might lead one to believe. If the usual practice of détourned films is for the soundtrack to undermine the image, here the reverse occasionally takes place. The images critique Mao's words. They show that which, even in the official visual record of the times, the narrative elides. The film is dedicated to Li Yhi Zhe, the nominal author of a famous Democracy Wall critique of the Maoist state.
Who directed Mao by Mao?
Mao by Mao was directed by René Viénet, Wu Xing-ming, Francis Deron.
Who stars in Mao by Mao?
Mao by Mao stars Mao Zedong.
How long is Mao by Mao?
Mao by Mao has a runtime of 28m (28 minutes).
What genre is Mao by Mao?
Mao by Mao is a Documentary, History film.
Where was Mao by Mao produced?
Mao by Mao was produced in France.