Raphaël Mendola, a teacher at the public high school in Monistrol-sur-Loire, has written an intriguing essay titled “From Hitchcock to TikTok: Cinema in the Age of Algorithms.” He reflects on how our perception of films has changed in the digital age, where storytelling is no longer limited to cinema. Mendola questions readers about the impact of this shift on our lives and connections.
In his concise 130-page essay, Mendola delves into the evolution of cinema from a medium of depth and time to one dominated by speed and constant stimulation. “From Hitchcock to TikTok” is not a nostalgic look at the past but an invitation to understand the present and learn to truly see beyond mere observation.
The book explores how algorithms and artificial intelligence are reshaping our attention and redefining fiction across various media. It emphasizes the importance of educating our gaze to enhance our viewing experience. “From Hitchcock to TikTok” targets cinephiles seeking a modern perspective on cinema, educators interested in contemporary visual culture, students in cinema and media studies, and parents concerned about screen time consumption.
Readers can meet Mendola at book signings in May at Cinema La Capitelle in Monistrol-sur-Loire, and in September at Cinema Méliès Saint-François in Saint-Étienne and PGDIS bookstore in Monistrol. The book is priced at 10.50 euros and can be ordered through preferred local bookstores.
