The Anthropologist

The Anthropologist is a 2015 documentary film that compellingly explores the fascinating field of anthropology from a refreshing and expanded perspective. The film beautifully intertwines two narratives, the first chronicling the journey of iconic anthropologist Margaret Mead and her daughter Mary Catherine Bateson, and the second presenting the compelling work of environmental anthropologist Susan Crate and her daughter Katie.

Margaret Mead, one of the pioneering figures in anthropology, has greatly contributed to shaping our understanding of human culture and behavior. Known for her groundbreaking research on sexual mores, gender roles, and social norms in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia, Mead deeply believed in the transformative power of culture in shaping human lives. An innovative aspect of the film is its focus on Mead’s daughter, Mary Catherine Bateson, herself an anthropologist and writer, kindling a dialogue across generations that deeply personalizes the cinematic exploration of the role and impact of anthropology.

This dual narrative is well complemented by the dynamic work of contemporary environmental anthropologist Susan Crate. Crate has conducted extensive fieldwork to explore the impacts of climate change on various indigenous societies. She believes anthropology can extend our comprehension of climate change effects beyond data and statistics, providing tangible human context to an often overwhelming global issue. Crate's daughter, Katie Yegorov-Crate, a teenager with considerable screen-presence, adds yet another layer of poignancy, demonstrating what it means to grow up in a world reshaping itself in real-time due to anthropogenic climate change.

Deftly directed by Seth Kramer, Daniel A. Miller, and Jeremy Newberger, The Anthropologist explores a multi-generational perspective that makes palatable the critical need for anthropology in our current climate crisis. Mead's credo, "a small tribe of human beings can redefine reality," is echoed and amplified in the study of vulnerable communities facing the most immediate and alarming impacts of climate change.

Both narratives set in different times, employing different methodological approaches, have been tied together impressively. This parallelism is used to weave a powerful narrative that brings about a revelatory understanding of the potential of anthropology: to learn from the past, interpret the present, and perhaps fortify our future.

The Anthropologist, through the lens of the distinct and interconnecting stories of these mothers and daughters, deeply engaged with anthropology at different times, affirms that this discipline, once considered an esoteric endeavor to catalog the alien and the novel, has far-reaching implications and revealing insights for our shared human condition.

This film contains striking visuals – from archival footage of Mead’s pioneering research endeavors in remote parts of the world to the compelling imagery from Crate’s contemporary and urgent fieldwork. The poignant mother-daughter narratives are a unique component of the film that enriches the exploration of anthropology's intellectual and social impact. The presence of the daughters, Bateson and Yegorov-Crate, bolsters the relevance of the anthropological journey, subtly extending it into the realm of the viewer, beyond the sphere of scholarly discourse.

The Anthropologist is, decidedly, more than just a documentary about anthropology. It poetically encapsulates the essence of human adaptability, resilience, and change. Whether it is Margaret Mead revolutionizing our understanding of culture in the mid-20th century or Susan Crate informing our understanding of climate change's human impact, the film deeply reinforces the idea that anthropology can provide unique and critical insights into the challenges we collectively face.

Essentially, whilst offering a profound insight into the rich history and potent, broad applications of anthropology, The Anthropologist never loses its captivating human component. The film eloquently captures the perseverance of Crate as she journeys far and wide to understand the impact of climate change on indigenous communities, as well as the enduring legacy of Mead’s transformative ideas as maintained and reframed by Bateson.

A thoroughly engaging watch, The Anthropologist bridges the gap between academic discourse and popular narrative, presenting to its viewers a poignant and relatable overview of anthropology by reflecting the sagacity of the study of human behavior, the adaptability of culture, and the urge to protect our shared future.