York University FILM1001: Poor Image, Remix, and Appropriation Essay

This essay examines the concept of the 'poor image' as defined by Hito Steyerl, focusing on its characteristics, such as low resolution, compression, and blurriness, and its relevance in contemporary visual culture. The paper discusses how 'poor images' are intrinsically linked to the internet and media, allowing for easy circulation due to their smaller file sizes. Several examples are provided, including images from articles on media remix and cultural appropriation, as well as scenes from the movie *Be Kind Rewind*. The essay highlights how these 'poor images' can influence media reception and reviews. The analysis draws upon relevant articles and resources to support the argument, demonstrating the significance of 'poor images' in the digital age and their implications for film and media.

Running head: FILM STUDIES
FILM STUDIES
Name of the Student
Name of the university
Author note

1FILM STUDIES
According to Steyerl, poor image means a low resolution image which is compressed,
cropped and blurry but gets loaded quickly1. Poor image is considered to be an exemplary of
the existing visual culture. In this paper this idea of poor image will be discussed citing some
appropriate examples.
Poor image has to have a deep connection with Internet and media making because
poor image means lower resolution which means smaller size and thus can be circulated well
through the medium of Internet and media. As for example, in the article the image where
definition is remix is given can be said to be poor image as the words are a little blurred and
not clear. Next in the page of “cultural appropriation is not about cultural exchange” the
image of the lady is hazy and cannot be understood properly thus this can also be said to as
poor image. Another example can be taken from the movie Be Kind Rewind, where Mike
played by Mos Def is holding the head of Jerry that is played by Jack Black near to the
television2. In this scene the focus on Jerry is not good and his face cannot be seen properly.
This can certainly be categorized under poor image. In the trailer of 2.28minutes the image is
blurred at 0.19 minutes.
Thus, it can be said that poor images have a direct connection with Internet and media
making. These images can have drastic effect on the two. These can be the reason for movies
to get bad reviews and can be circulated over the Internet easily.
1 Albuquerque, Paula. "Too much world: A Hito Steyerl retrospective." NECSUS. European Journal of Media
Studies 4, no. 1 (2015): 269-278.
2 Baldacci, Cristina. "Recirculation: The Wandering of Digital Images in Post-Internet Art." In Re-: An Errant
Glossary, pp. 25-33. ICI Berlin Press, 2019.

2FILM STUDIES
Bibliography
Albuquerque, Paula. "Too much world: A Hito Steyerl retrospective." NECSUS. European
Journal of Media Studies 4, no. 1 (2015): 269-278.
Baldacci, Cristina. "Recirculation: The Wandering of Digital Images in Post-Internet Art."
In Re-: An Errant Glossary, pp. 25-33. ICI Berlin Press, 2019.