Queen of the Desert
dir. Werner Herzog · 2015
Feature
Cultural Dislocation
Mood
Contemplative
Look
sweeping landscapes contrasted with intimate character moments
Structure
episodic with a focus on key life events
Plot
A chronicle of Gertrude Bell's life, a traveler, writer, archaeologist, explorer, cartographer, and political attaché for the British Empire in the Near and Middle East at the dawn of the twentieth century. Her knowledge of the tribal leaders is used by the British to establish the Kingdoms of Iraq, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Why watch
"Queen of the Desert" invites viewers into the life of Gertrude Bell, a pioneering woman whose adventures in the early 20th century challenge the boundaries of gender and empire. With its stunning visuals and contemplative narrative, the film explores the complexities of cultural dislocation and personal identity against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.
Talking points
- the impact of colonialism on identity
- the role of women in shaping history
- the nature of exploration and its consequences
- the personal versus the political in historical narratives
Cultural context
early 20th-century British imperialismthe role of women in historythe complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics