Danto and Paparoni Debate Cinema's Artistic Future

In the 2020 publication "Arte e Poststoria," an email exchange from 1998 between critic Demetrio Paparoni and philosopher Arthur C. Danto explores whether cinema is the ultimate art form. Danto contends that, while cinema originated with the Lumière brothers, it is aesthetically conservative due to its significant production expenses and dependence on simple storylines. He posits that painting and visual arts demonstrate greater innovation. Paparoni references directors like Eisenstein and Kurosawa, while Danto expresses skepticism about cinema's progression, suggesting it will be more akin to Titanic than Wild Strawberries. Paparoni argues that computer graphics can improve credibility but fail to evoke emotions. They also touch on the allure of monsters and angels, with Danto asserting that cinema diminishes audience maturity. This dialogue appeared in Tema Celeste, no. 71, October 1998.