Michel Foucault’s seminal exploration of the Panopticon, as elucidated in his landmark work, Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison (1975), presents a sophisticated framework for analysing the intricacies of surveillance, power, and control mechanisms within society. Originally conceived as an architectural design for a circular prison with cells arranged around a central watchtower, the Panopticon epitomises a regime of relentless, invisible surveillance. This model compels the incarcerated to regulate their own behaviour, under the omnipresent possibility of being observed. This groundbreaking concept has significantly influenced the discourse on surveillance and disciplinary practices, moving beyond its initial carceral context to permeate various facets of media, with cinema providing a rich avenue for its investigation.

Illuminating Foucault’s Panopticon

A Cinematic Exploration of Surveillance and Power

In the realm of film, the capacity to visualise, dramatise, and interrogate complex philosophical and sociological ideas renders cinema an ideal medium for exploring the themes embodied by Foucault’s Panopticon. These cinematic narratives delve into the psychological and societal dynamics of surveillance, the subtle exercise of power, and the delicate balance between liberty and control. The fundamental premise of the Panopticon — the alteration of behaviour driven not by the certainty but by the mere possibility of being observed — engages with profound concerns about individual autonomy, privacy, and the essence of human agency in the contemporary landscape.

The Panopticon extends beyond a metaphor for the prison system, serving as a critical lens through which the omnipresent nature of surveillance technologies and the erosion of privacy in the digital age can be examined. It invites a reflection on the psychological burdens of existing in a state of constant potential scrutiny, illuminating how the spectre of surveillance insinuates itself into the fabric of daily life, influencing actions and decisions.

Below, I present you with a carefully curated selection of films that resonate with or draw inspiration from Foucault’s concept of the Panopticon. Each film delves into the themes of surveillance, control, and the psychological effects of the omnipresent gaze, inviting viewers to contemplate the nuanced implications of visibility and observation in contemporary life. From narratives set within the claustrophobic confines of designed spaces to tales that traverse the boundless landscapes of the digital era, these films serve as a testament to the enduring relevance of Foucault’s insights and the complex relationship between the individual and the ever-watchful eye of society.

Cube (1997)

Directed by Vincenzo Natali

• Summary: A group of prisoners find themselves trapped within a perplexing maze filled with deadly traps, striving cooperatively to find an escape. The characters, played by an ensemble cast including Maurice Dean Wint and Nicole de Boer, navigate through the treacherous labyrinth, uncertain of who watches or controls their fate.
• Panopticon Influence: The film’s design and narrative structure mirror the Panopticon’s surveillance and control elements. The claustrophobic, cubical spaces, combined with the omnipresent threat of being observed, enforce a psychological discipline among the characters, akin to Foucault’s discussions on self-regulation under surveillance.

Caché (2005)

Directed by Michael Haneke

• Summary: This psychological thriller follows a family receiving anonymous surveillance tapes of their home, with Daniel Auteuil and Juliette Binoche delivering compelling performances as the couple whose lives unravel under the strain of constant observation.
• Panopticon Influence: Caché embodies the Panopticon’s dynamics through its exploration of surveillance-induced paranoia. The unseen observer’s power to disrupt and control the family’s life without direct intervention reflects the Panopticon’s principle of unseen surveillance exerting control over individuals’ behaviours.

The Circle (2015)

Directed by Levan Akin

• Summary: A riveting drama set in Sweden, focusing on a young woman, portrayed by Josefin Asplund, who uncovers dark secrets behind an anonymous online community. The film delves into digital surveillance and the erosion of privacy in the modern digital age.
• Panopticon Influence: The film translates the Panopticon’s surveillance principles to the digital realm, showcasing how online surveillance and the fear of being watched can manipulate behaviour and perceptions of freedom, paralleling Foucault’s observations on self-regulation and control.

10 Minutes (2013)

Directed by Lee Yong-seung

• Summary: Set within the oppressive environment of a South Korean firm, the film highlights the life of an employee facing the dehumanising effects of constant workplace surveillance, with Baek Jong-hwan delivering a poignant performance as the beleaguered protagonist.
• Panopticon Influence: Reflecting the Panopticon’s themes, the film scrutinises the impact of incessant monitoring on personal freedom and dignity, portraying how surveillance within the corporate sphere can lead to a self-disciplined, controlled workforce.

The Lives of Others (2006)

Directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck

• Summary: This Oscar-winning film examines surveillance in East Berlin by the Stasi, through the eyes of a Stasi officer, played by Ulrich Mühe, who becomes emotionally involved with the subjects of his surveillance, illustrating the complex interplay between observer and observed.
• Panopticon Influence: By showcasing the psychological impact of surveillance on both the watcher and the watched, the film exemplifies the Panopticon’s broader implications on power, control, and the internalisation of surveillance, highlighting the blurred lines between observation and intrusion.

The Method (2005)

Directed by Marcelo Piñeyro

• Summary: In this Spanish film, candidates vying for a position within a corporation undergo a gruelling selection process, filled with psychological manipulation and surveillance, capturing the essence of the Panopticon in a corporate setting. The cast, including Eduardo Noriega and Najwa Nimri, portrays the candidates’ descent into competitive paranoia.
• Panopticon Influence: The film’s setting and narrative focus on observation, manipulation, and control within the selection process reflect the Panopticon’s themes, showcasing how surveillance mechanisms can extend beyond physical spaces to influence behaviour and thought in societal structures.

Raat Akeli Hai (2020)

Directed by Honey Trehan

• Summary: This Indian crime thriller weaves a tale of surveillance and societal observation through the investigation of a high-profile murder by a small-town police inspector, played by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, in a closely-knit community.
• Panopticon Influence: Though subtler in its approach, the film incorporates Panopticon-like themes through the narrative of investigation and community dynamics, highlighting the ways in which surveillance can permeate societal interactions and influence collective behaviour.

The Conversation (1974)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola

• Summary: The film centres on Harry Caul, a surveillance expert played by Gene Hackman, who undergoes a moral quandary upon suspecting that a couple he has been spying on may become murder victims. The narrative delves deep into the psychological impacts of audio surveillance, presenting a gripping exploration of the ethical boundaries of observation.
• Panopticon Influence: The Conversation captures the Panopticon’s essence through its acute focus on the effects of surveillance on the individual conducting it. The film’s intense examination of paranoia and the moral dilemmas faced by the observer effectively highlights the psychological toll of constant surveillance, mirroring Foucault’s discourse on the power dynamics at play within systems of observation and control.

A Scanner Darkly (2006)

Directed by Richard Linklater

• Summary: This animated film, set in a near-future society engulfed by surveillance, follows Bob Arctor (Keanu Reeves), an undercover agent ensnared by the very surveillance system he serves. As he delves deeper into his undercover role within the drug culture, he begins to lose his own identity, reflecting on the themes of surveillance, identity, and self-regulatory behaviours induced by perceived observation.
• Panopticon Influence: A Scanner Darkly embodies the Panopticon’s principles through its portrayal of a society under constant watch and the resultant psychological fragmentation of its protagonist. The film’s innovative visual style, using rotoscope animation to blur the lines between reality and perception, enhances the thematic exploration of surveillance and self-regulation. The character’s struggle with identity under the weight of omnipresent observation serves as a powerful metaphor for the internalised discipline Foucault described, showcasing the profound impact of surveillance on personal identity and autonomy.

Eagle Eye (2008)

Directed by D.J. Caruso

• Summary: In this high-octane action thriller, Shia LaBeouf and Michelle Monaghan portray a young man and woman who are wrongfully accused of terrorism and find themselves under the manipulation of a mysterious, omniscient artificial intelligence. As they navigate a series of dangerous tasks, the film delves into themes of technology-fuelled surveillance and control.
• Panopticon Influence: Eagle Eye presents a modern iteration of the Panopticon, where technology acts as the all-seeing eye, orchestrating individuals’ actions from the shadows. The film’s portrayal of a society under the constant watch of an unseen technological overseer highlights the contemporary relevance of Foucault’s concept, demonstrating the power dynamics and control mechanisms facilitated by advanced surveillance technologies.

CCTV (2015)

Directed by Xu Jizhou

• Summary: This Chinese thriller explores the aftermath of a woman’s murder in a small town, with CCTV footage serving as a crucial piece of evidence. The narrative, focusing on the investigation led by the protagonist (played by Lu Yi), raises questions about the reliability of surveillance in revealing truth and the ethical implications of a society under perpetual observation.
• Panopticon Influence: CCTV directly engages with Foucault’s Panopticon through its examination of surveillance as both a tool for justice and an instrument of control. The film scrutinises the pervasive nature of CCTV surveillance in modern society, reflecting on the nuances of watching and being watched. By interrogating the implications of a society where everyone is constantly monitored, CCTV underscores the Panopticon’s influence on societal norms and individual behaviour, highlighting the complex interplay between surveillance, power, and privacy.

3-Iron (2004)

Directed by Kim Ki-duk

• Summary: This distinctive South Korean film narrates the tale of a young drifter, played by Lee Hyun-kyoon, who occupies people’s homes during their absence, living within their spaces without their knowledge. It delves into themes of invisibility, silent observation, and the intimate lives of others, presenting a unique perspective on the act of seeing without being seen.
• Panopticon Influence: 3-Iron challenges and reinterprets Foucault’s Panopticon by inverting the traditional observer/observed dynamic. The protagonist becomes an unseen observer, yet his purpose is not to exert control but to coexist silently. This inversion raises questions about the nature of surveillance, privacy, and the implications of observing without interacting, suggesting a nuanced exploration of the spaces between visibility and invisibility, presence and absence, echoing the Panopticon’s emphasis on the psychological effects of potential observation.

Look (2007)

Directed by Adam Rifkin

• Summary: Comprising entirely of surveillance camera footage, Look interweaves the stories of several individuals as their lives are recorded without their consent. The film spotlights the ubiquity of surveillance across various settings, from shopping malls to high schools, highlighting the thinning boundaries between public and private life and the often overlooked impact of surveillance on personal privacy.
• Panopticon Influence: Through its unique format and narrative approach, Look directly addresses the omnipresence of surveillance in modern society, mirroring the Panopticon’s concept of constant observation. The film prompts viewers to consider the pervasive nature of surveillance cameras and the extent to which being watched shapes our behaviours and infringes upon our privacy. By showcasing the myriad ways in which individuals are monitored in everyday life, Look offers a compelling commentary on the normalization of surveillance and its profound effects on the social fabric, reflecting Foucault’s ideas on the mechanisms of control and the internalization of the observer’s gaze.

Bibliography:

Foucault, M. (1977). Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. New York: Vintage Books.