Zaha Hadid, French Cinema Music, Cynicism

Available for over a year

With Rana Mitter who meets Zaha Hadid as her new building opens in London. The influential architect has created a new wing for the Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park by transforming a 19th century gunpowder magazine into 21st century curves and squiggles. She reflects on how the design seeks to fuse her need for innovation with respect for the historic site. Rana Mitter continues the Sound of Cinema Season by talking to critics Ian Christie and Muriel Zagha about french cinema. From Rene Clair's 1930 film Sous les toits de Paris to Jean Luc Godard's Prénom Carmen, how important has music been in creating France's distinctive cinema reputation? Finally cultural debate with philosopher Julian Baggini and classicist Richard Seaford on whether the prevalence of cynicism towards the public sphere may turn out to be a positive rather than a negative. Rana Mitter hears how the original cynic's emphasis on nature over culture may encourage us to alter our expectations and move society in a fundamentally different and healthier direction.