Moral Spectatorship: Technologies of Voice and Affect in Postwar Representations of the Child

**Delve into the complex world of affect, intersubjectivity, and moral engagement in film with Lisa Cartwright's groundbreaking book, *Moral Spectatorship: Technologies of Voice and Affect in Postwar Representations of the Child*.** This illustrated paperback, published by Duke University Press Books, offers a fresh perspective on film theory, challenging the dominance of Lacanian psychoanalysis that characterized much of feminist film scholarship in the 1980s and 1990s. Cartwright boldly revisits the impasses of that era, redirecting attention to often-overlooked theories of affect and object relations, paving the way for a more nuanced understanding of how we, as viewers, connect with and respond to what we see on screen. *Moral Spectatorship* isn't simply a theoretical exercise; it's a deeply insightful exploration of how technologies shape human agency and facilitate intersubjective and affective relationships. Cartwright develops a compelling new theory of spectatorship, moving beyond purely visual representations to consider how caregivers play a crucial role in helping children find their voice. The book's analysis is grounded in two key contexts. First, Cartwright examines a series of social-problem melodramas centered on deaf and nonverbal girls and young women. Films such as *Johnny Belinda*, *The Miracle Worker*, and *Children of a Lesser God* are not just cinematic narratives, but are treated as rich sites for understanding the dynamics of caregiving, communication, and the challenges of representation. Through close readings, Cartwright reveals the ethical and emotional complexities embedded within these popular films. Secondly, Cartwright fearlessly tackles the controversies surrounding facilitated communication (FC), a technological practice where caregivers provide physical support to individuals with communication disorders, enabling them to communicate through writing, often using computers. Examining the debates surrounding FC, Cartwright acknowledges that while this method offers a voice to the voiceless, concerns over facilitator influence and manipulation raise profound ethical questions. She fearlessly navigates the conflicting claims and anxieties that surround this controversial practice, challenging readers to consider the power dynamics inherent in communication and caregiving. For decades, film theory has largely operated on a model of identification based on feeling *with* the other or imagining oneself *as* the other. Cartwright, however, proposes a different model - one of empathetic and highly intersubjective identification, building on the work of influential thinkers like Andr Green, Melanie Klein, Donald W. Winnicott, and Silvan Tomkins. This isn't about simply mirroring emotions; it's about understanding the other's experience on a deeper level, fostering genuine empathy and ethical engagement. With 304 pages of insightful analysis, *Moral Spectatorship* is essential reading for students and scholars of film studies, media theory, disability studies, and anyone interested in the ethical dimensions of spectatorship. Cartwright's work invites us to rethink how we engage with images, challenging us to consider the role of affect, intersubjectivity, and technology in shaping our moral responsibilities as viewers. Discover how films and technologies not only represent the child but shape and mediate their experience of the world, and ultimately, discover a more compassionate and nuanced understanding of human connection through the lens of cinema. Explore how film can be a space for fostering empathy, building bridges of understanding, and engaging with the complexities of human experience.