CineClub presents a special season of films in conjunction with our summer exhibition Touch Nature exploring man's relationship with nature. While our first screening focused on polution and the effects of our modern existance on the natural world, our final two screenings examine the colonial desire to dominate nature. These final two screenings Tarzan the Ape Man and Safari, directed by Ulrich Seidl, are conceived of as a double bill and are best viewed together.

Tarzan The Ape Man from 1932 was one of six MGM films (and later six more films for RKO) starring the Brad Pitt of his day, the Austrian Olympic swimmer Johnny Weissmuller as Tarzan. The combination of spectacular sets recreating the jungle in Hollywood and documentary footage highlight the contrast of staged vs real nature. The film, losely based on the books by Edgar Rice Burroughs, is a perfect example of the human desire to control and dominate nature. Made in 1932 there is also a deeply colonial narrative with white adventurers heading out into a world to be conquered and exploited. It also reflects colonialist attitudes and portrays western characters as superior while depicting locals as expendable.

Please be advised that some viewers will find scenes in the film offensive in its depiction of locals as well as the use of black face. We have programmed Tarzan to be seen alongside Ulrich Seidl's documentary Safari within a critical framework. Although 84 years lie in between the release of Tarzan The Ape Man and Safari, both depict a world in which little has changed regarding attitudes to nature and African people and culture.

USA, 1932, 100min, directed by, W. S. Van Dyke

Safari will be screened on 11 June 2026. Please click here to find out more.

All CineClub films are 18+ unless otherwise advertised.