Eden is West, Europe as a magic trick

Abstract

This chapter analyses the themes explored by the Greek-French director whose personal story of migration may position the film as an expression of what has been defined by Hamid Naficy as ‘accented cinema', especially in terms of the wish-fulfilment subjectivity that is accessible to the director. At a time when Europe is redefining its borders, watching Eden Is West allows for an interpretation of what it takes to be in, or out, of the European paradigm by looking at the physical presence of the migratory subject, the language they carry and their invisibility. Costa-Gavras' film addresses Europe as an ambition, the garden of Eden that is hoped for by neighbouring, yet alienated, subjects which, ultimately, can only exist not as a reality but as a magic trick. The mythical discourse drives the narrative towards an imagined Europe of great abundance and opportunity, whereas, for Elias, it also becomes the locus of slavery.