Edward Said's book ORIENTALISM has been profoundly influential in a diverse range of disciplines since its publication in 1978. In this engaging (and lavishly illustrated) interview he talks about the context within which the book was conceived, its main themes and how its original thesis relates to the contemporary understanding of "the Orient." Said argues that the Western (especially American) understanding of the Middle East as a place full of villains and terrorists ruled by Islamic fundamentalism produces a deeply distorted image of the diversity and complexity of millions of Arab peoples.
Directed by Sut Jhally
Your score–
Not scoredCast
Related

Roman Polanski: A Film Memoir

American Boy: A Profile of Steven Prince

The Curse of the Dragon

Directed by John Ford

Oprah Winfrey Presents: When They See Us Now

Seduced and Abandoned

Come See Me in the Good Light

Sidney

The Class of ‘92

McQueen

The Assassination of Jesse James: Death of an Outlaw

They'll Love Me When I'm Dead

Drew: The Man Behind the Poster

Louis Theroux: Twilight of the Porn Stars

35 Up

A Decade Under the Influence
