Teen Movies
Cinema has always engaged with the experiences, hopes, fears, and anxieties of--and about--adolescents, teenagers, and young people. This book is a comprehensive and accessible history of the depiction of teenagers in American film, from the silent era to the twenty-first century. Timothy Shary explores the development of teenage roles across eras and industrial cycles, such as the juvenile delinquent pictures of the 1950s, the beach movies of the 1960s, the horror films of the 1980s, and the fantasy epics of the 2000s. He considers the varied genres of the teen movie--horror and melodrama, romance and adventure, fantasy and science fiction--and its shifting themes and tropes around sex and gender, childhood and adulthood, rebellion and social order, crime and consumer culture. Teen Movies features analyses of films such as Rebel Without a Cause (1955), Splendor in the Grass (1961), Carrie (1976), The Breakfast Club (1985), American Pie (1999), and the Twilight series (2008-2012). This second edition is updated throughout and features a new chapter examining Millennials and Generation Z on screen, with discussions of many contemporary topics, including queer youth in movies like Moonlight (2016), abortion in films such as Never Rarely Sometimes Always (2020), and the flourishing of a "tween" cinema as seen in Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. (2023).
Supernatural
A captivating exploration of the television phenomenon that is Supernatural, with insights into characters, plots, and the show's impact on pop culture. When Supernatural first aired on the CW in 2005, it was dismissed by many for being "pretty guys fighting demons." Yet Supernatural persisted for 15 seasons to become the anchor of the network's line-up and the longest running genre series in US television history. In Supernatural: A History of Television's Unearthly Road Trip, Erin Giannini delves into the phenomenon of this cult series and its devoted fan base. Covering all 15 seasons, including the series finale that aired in 2020, this book examines the show's predecessors, characters, major storylines, and fan activism. It also revisits creator Eric Kripke's road to creating the series, draws surprising and revealing connections between the show and other series, and discusses the ways Supernatural responded to social and industry changes throughout its long run. Supernatural was the little show that could for 15 years, persisting beyond its original network's lifespan and surviving the departure of its creator and showrunner, in no small part due to its loyal fans. Inspired by shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and going on to influence many shows that followed, Supernatural offers insight into how a series can adapt and grow to become a mainstay of primetime television.
Burn It Down
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - LOS ANGELES TIMES BESTSELLERAn NPR Best Book of the YearIn this spectacular, newsmaking expos矇 that has the entertainment industry abuzz and on its heels, Vanity Fair's Maureen Ryan blows the lid off patterns of harassment and bias in Hollywood, the grassroots reforms under way, and the labor and activist revolutions that recent scandals have ignited.It is never just One Bad Man.Abuse and exploitation of workers is baked into the very foundations of the entertainment industry. To break the cycle and make change that sticks, it's important to stop looking at headline-making stories as individual events. Instead, one must look closely at the bigger picture, to see how abusers are created, fed, rewarded, allowed to persist, and, with the right tools, how they can be excised.In Burn It Down, veteran reporter Maureen Ryan does just that. She draws on decades of experience to connect the dots and illuminate the deeper forces sustaining Hollywood's corrosive culture. Fresh reporting sheds light on problematic situations at companies like Lucasfilm and shows like Lost, Saturday Night Live, The Goldbergs, Sleepy Hollow, Curb Your Enthusiasm and more.Interviews with actors and famous creatives like Evan Rachel Wood, Harold Perrineau, Damon Lindelof, and Orlando Jones abound. Ryan dismantles, one by one, the myths that the entertainment industry promotes about itself, which have allowed abusers to thrive and the industry to avoid accountability--myths about Hollywood as a meritocracy, what it takes to be creative, the value of human dignity, and more.Weaving together insights from industry insiders, historical context, and pop-culture analysis, Burn It Down paints a groundbreaking and urgently necessary portrait of what's gone wrong in the entertainment world--and how we can fix it.
Cinematic Journeys in Latin America
This book critically examines how movies that feature real or imagined explorers and expeditions creatively feature the geography of Latin America. It focuses on how locales are scripted into film plots and artistically depicted, and demonstrates that place is as important as any character in a film, especially in this genre. Nineteen key films are analyzed. Some, like Aguirre, the Wrath of God, Fitzcarraldo, The Other Conquest, Embrace of the Serpent, and The Lost City of Z are based on the exploits of real explorers. Others are fictional, including Apocalypto, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and Dora and the Lost City of Gold. The author also discusses the evolution of exploration-discovery films, including trends that will likely be found in forthcoming movies.
The Biggest Thing in Show Business
A freewheeling, nonlinear exploration of the performing duo and their decade-long collaboration from 1946 to 1956.From 1946 to 1956, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis provoked audiences into rollicking laughter as they shook up and delighted a culture they both mediated and made fun of. Using the duo's phenomenal popularity as a starting point, The Biggest Thing in Show Business looks askance at postwar America with a fast-moving sweep, jam-packed with unexpected connections, revealing details, and surprising insights. Aiming to be as unconventional as their subjects, Murray Pomerance and Matthew Solomon enact a highly spontaneous and up-to-the-minute approach to coauthorship that re-establishes the importance of Martin & Lewis in the cultural pantheon. As a result, the book's structure, methodology, and writing style are thoroughly dialogic and firmly opposed to stale convention.
Albert Brooks
Albert Brooks: Interviews brings together fourteen profiles of and conversations with Brooks (b. 1947), in which he contemplates, expounds upon, and hilariously jokes about the connections between his show business upbringing, an ambivalence about the film industry, the nature of fame and success, and the meaning and purpose of comedy. Throughout all these encounters, Brooks expresses an unwavering commitment to his own artistic expression as a filmmaker and a rejection of mainstream conventions. With his questioning and critical disposition, nothing seems certain for Albert Brooks except for the integrity of art and the necessity for a wry skepticism about the incongruities of everyday life in corporate America. Brooks is neither a Hollywood insider nor an outsider. He's somewhere in-between. Since the early 1970s, this inimitable actor-writer-director has incisively satirized the mass media system from within. After initial work as an inventive comedian, both live and on network television, Brooks contributed six shorts to the first season of Saturday Night Live, which earned him a cult following for their avant-garde form and sensibility. These were followed by his feature debut, Real Life, the first of only seven films--including Modern Romance, Lost in America, and Defending Your Life--that Brooks has directed to date. His limited output reflects not only the difficulty in financing idiosyncratic films, but equally the exacting seriousness which Brooks has in making audiences laugh and think at the same time.
Albert Brooks
Albert Brooks: Interviews brings together fourteen profiles of and conversations with Brooks (b. 1947), in which he contemplates, expounds upon, and hilariously jokes about the connections between his show business upbringing, an ambivalence about the film industry, the nature of fame and success, and the meaning and purpose of comedy. Throughout all these encounters, Brooks expresses an unwavering commitment to his own artistic expression as a filmmaker and a rejection of mainstream conventions. With his questioning and critical disposition, nothing seems certain for Albert Brooks except for the integrity of art and the necessity for a wry skepticism about the incongruities of everyday life in corporate America. Brooks is neither a Hollywood insider nor an outsider. He's somewhere in-between. Since the early 1970s, this inimitable actor-writer-director has incisively satirized the mass media system from within. After initial work as an inventive comedian, both live and on network television, Brooks contributed six shorts to the first season of Saturday Night Live, which earned him a cult following for their avant-garde form and sensibility. These were followed by his feature debut, Real Life, the first of only seven films--including Modern Romance, Lost in America, and Defending Your Life--that Brooks has directed to date. His limited output reflects not only the difficulty in financing idiosyncratic films, but equally the exacting seriousness which Brooks has in making audiences laugh and think at the same time.
Cinema's Frontline
Unravel the Legacy: How War Films Shape and Reflect our WorldEver wondered how the silver screen has mirrored the tumultuous pages of history? How does cinema capture the essence of wars that have torn apart nations and rebuilt them? Cinema's Frontline: War Films from Silent Era to the Modern Day delves deep into the heart of war films, revealing the profound ways they have impacted society and been influenced by it in return.Take a journey back in time to the silent era, where the genre was born and cinema began its portrayal of war. Witness the transition from silent black-and-white portrayals to the technicolor epics of WWII, the emotional rawness of Vietnam War films, and the technological marvels of modern warfare movies. Along the way, explore the societal reflections, controversies, and ethical debates surrounding these films.But it's not just about the films. It's about the people they represent. How has cinema portrayed veterans, women, and minorities over the decades? How have war films aided in healing trauma or fanning the flames of protest? This book will provide answers, unraveling the intricate relationship between cinema and society. From the pioneers of the silent era to the groundbreaking directors of today, discover the stories behind the stories on the big screen.Dive into Cinema's Frontline: War Films from Silent Era to the Modern Day to embark on an enlightening cinematic journey. Whether you're a film enthusiast, a history buff, or someone intrigued by the interplay of art and society, this book promises to captivate, inform, and inspire. Secure your passage to a deeper understanding of war films and their indelible mark on culture and consciousness.
Rewind
Some movies are iconic. Others are merely entertaining. In Rewind: A Half-Century of Classics, Cult Hits, and Other Must-See Movies, veteran journalist and longtime film buff Rick Anderson reflects on fifty classic films created within a fifty-year period, from 1945-1995. This book provides a historical perspective on these films and the people who made them. Why do these movies work? Or, in some cases, why didn't they work better? The author looks back at well-known films such as Rear Window, The Third Man, Apollo 13, and Sounder. And many other popular but less-renowned works also are covered, as are a handful of relatively obscure productions. The common denominator is that all the films here deserve at least a look from movie fans. Or, for those who have previously watched them, a rewind.
Shooting the Scene
Navigating the necessary skills for shooting film or TV is a challenge for any filmmaker. This book demystifies the art and craft of "coverage" - explaining where to put the camera to shoot any kind of scene.
The Art of Classic Sci-Fi Movies
From the dawn of silent cinema to today, sci-fi movies have been a constant presence in pop culture, with mad scientists, terrifying monsters (giant and otherwise), UFOs, and invading aliens all bursting out from some of the most brilliantly designed posters ever printed, featuring art that was sometimes lurid, always eye-catching, and often simply beautiful. Acknowledging the iconic, but with plenty of room for the rare and unfamiliar, The Art of Classic Sci-Fi Movies presents a stellar selection of imagery, charting the story of the genre from its origins in foundational works like A Trip to the Moon and Metropolis, through Cold War classics like Invasion of the Body-Snatchers and Godzilla, and on to visionary films such as 2001 and Solaris--as well as less celebrated but nonetheless infamous cultural artifacts like Barbarella and Zardoz, and genuine oddities such as Murder by Television and Twonky. The most extensive book of its type ever published, it includes ample selections from American movies as well as a range of films from Japan, Italy, Spain, France, Russia, and Eastern Europe.
How to Pull a Movie Out of Your Ass
General information and realistic expectations for the the first time filmmaker with no budget to speak of. First-hand experience from the author who made his first feature film at 50, after having had a disastrous start 7 years earlier.
Frasier
After America's most pompous barhound left the Cheer's gang in Boston, he returned to Seattle and found himself surrounded by an equally colorful cast of friends and family alike. For eleven seasons, radio psychiatrist Frasier Crane contended with his blue-collar ex-cop father Martin, English caretaker Daphne, coworker Roz, and his younger brother Niles. Looking at the world through Frasier's aristocratic, witty lens, the show explored themes of love, loss, friendship, and what it might mean to live a full life. Both fans and critics loved Frasier, and the show's 37 primetime Emmy wins are the most ever for a comedy series. In Frasier: A Cultural History, Joseph J. Darowski and Kate Darowski offer an engaging analysis of the long-running, award-winning show, offering insights into both the onscreen stories as well as the efforts behind the scenes to shape this modern classic. This volume examines the series as a whole, but also focuses on the show's key characters, including Eddie, the canine. Close looks at set design, class issues, and gender roles are also provided, along with opinionated reviews of all 264 episodes, highlighting the peaks and dips in quality across more than a decade of television. Despite the show's focus on an elitist intellectual--and his equally snooty brother--Frasier often embraced farce on a level previously unseen in American sitcoms, a mix of comedic elements that endeared it to viewers around the world. Frasier: A Cultural History will appeal to the show's many fans as well as to scholar of media, television, and popular culture.
Celluloid Adventures 4 Science Fiction Thrills...Horror Chills
An overdue look at movies, that with one exception, were box-office failures.These movies cover a span of 35 years, from 1943 to 1978, and representthe wide range of themes and ideas that science fiction and horror movies may encompass. As in his previous volumes, the author attempt to provide an informative analysis of each movie along with production details, including informationon the personnel in front of and behind the camera.Table of Contents8 Foreword10 Introduction12 Son of Dracula29 Alias Nick Beal40 The Maze58 Donovan's Brain68 198488 The Mind Benders98 Crack in the World108 The Mummy's Shroud118 The Power132 Journey to the Far Side of the Sun146 Brain Drainers: The Groundstar Conspiracy& Who?171 Capricorn One186 The Medusa Touch206 Afterword208 Appendix
Philosophical Issues in Indian Cinema
This book interrogates the vocabulary used in theorizing about Indian cinema to reach into the deeper cultural meanings of philosophies and traditions which it derives its influences from. It re-examines terms and concepts used in film criticism and contextualises them within the aesthetics, poetics, and politics of Indian cinema..
The Art of the Moving Picture
First published in 1915, this book is a pioneering work of film theory and criticism. Lindsay argues that the art of the moving picture is a uniquely modern form of expression, blending elements of literature, theater, painting, and music. He analyzes the language of film, its technical aspects, and its potential for artistic expression, and offers a vision for the future of cinema.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Telenovelas and Transformation
This book investigates how telenovelas may be the key to the future of Brazilian television and how this content can survive in an interconnected media landscape.
Asians on Demand
Does media representation advance racial justice? While the past decade has witnessed a push for increased diversity in visual media, Asians on Demand grapples with the pressing question of whether representation is enough to advance racial justice. Surveying a contemporary, cutting-edge archive of video works from the Asian diaspora in North America, Europe, and East Asia, this book uncovers the ways that diasporic artists challenge the narrow--and damaging--conceptions of Asian identity pervading mainstream media. Through an engagement with grassroots activist documentaries, experimental video diaries by undocumented and migrant workers, and works by high-profile media artists such as Hito Steyerl and Ming Wong, Feng-Mei Heberer showcases contemporary video productions that trouble the mainstream culture industry's insistence on portraying ethnic Asians as congenial to dominant neoliberal values. Undermining the demands placed on Asian subjects to exemplify institutional diversity and individual exceptionalism, this book provides a critical and nuanced set of alternatives to the easily digestible forms generated by online streaming culture and multicultural lip service more broadly. Employing feminist, racial, and queer critiques of the contemporary media landscape, Asians on Demand highlights how the dynamics of Asian representation play out differently in Germany, the United States, Taiwan, and Spain. Rather than accepting the notion that inclusion requires an uncomplicated set of appearances, the works explored in this volume spotlight a staunch resistance to formulating racial identity as an instantly accessible consumer product.
Breaking Into TV Writing
The old screenwriting motto is, "Work on your script, and the jobs will come." This is false.A great script is only as good as the effort you put into your career, but there is little information for the aspiring screenwriter about how to break in. Even those who study TV or film in college are taught to simply "get a production assistant job." But then what? And how do you get that job to begin with?Breaking into TV Writing contains all the crucial information left out of most screenwriting books, like: How to get your first job in TVWhat TV writing samples you needHow to break into the elusive TV writers' roomHow a writers' room creates an episode of TVWhich assistant jobs are worth your time (and which you should avoid at all costs)Anton Schettini provides a rare insider's glimpse of the modern-day network and streaming TV writers' room. Here, you will find practical advice, career-path strategies, and first-hand accounts for how to establish your network, grow within it, and acquire the necessary tools to become a TV writer.The industry would love to tell you to put your head down, work hard, write a lot, and pay your dues; Schettini will show you why that hackneyed mantra is misleading, and how you can put yourself in the best position to break through the barriers and see your work on the TV screen.
Screen Acting
This instructional guide offers practical advice and insights for aspiring screen actors. Written by two experienced professionals and endorsed by the New York Institute of Photography, the book covers topics such as auditioning, performing on camera, and developing a successful acting career. Packed with useful tips and real-world examples, this is an essential resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in screen acting.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
The Crisis
A thrilling silent film from 1916 based on the Civil War novel of the same name by Winston Churchill. The movie follows a wealthy plantation owner and his son as they fight for the Confederacy, all the while grappling with questions of morality and patriotism. The film was praised for its sweeping cinematography and groundbreaking special effects.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
But I'm a Gilmore!
But I'm a Gilmore! is a never-before-seen collection of stories and experiences from members of the cast, and crew who worked on Gilmore Girls, as well as Gilmore Girls fans―how they came to the show, why it resonates, and what it means to them - their 'Gilmore story'.This book takes shape in three main sections: the three 'C's: Cast and Crew: It's a ShowCreators: It's a LifestyleCult Followers: It's a ReligionThe first section 'Cast and Crew' contains the Gilmore stories of producers, editors, directors, cameramen, costumers, dialogue coaches, and of course, actors. This section takes you on a journey through the memories of those whose role on the show was integral, but who have previously been overlooked. This is especially true for crew members, some of whom were present full-time over many years, but who have not shared their experiences of working on the show until now.The second section, 'Creators' is focused on those fans whose love for Gilmore Girls has been so profound that they have turned their interest in the show into some kind of work, hobby, or passion project - into a lifestyle. In this section you will read about how the Fan Fest Society (formerly Gilmore Girls Fan Fest) came together, how one man decided to compile a list of every location on the show, how one woman opened a Gilmore Girls themed furniture store, and how fans became merchants of Gilmore Girls inspired items.The third and final section, 'Cult Fans' explores the Gilmore stories of those who watch the show. You will hear how Gilmore Girls got fans through college, divorce, family deaths, depression, accidents, and illness. You will read about a fan who had a Gilmore Girls wedding, a soldier who discovered the show while deployed in Iraq, and a high school teacher who recreated the Festival of Living Arts in her history classroom. The stories in this section represent a diverse age and geographical spread, with fans from all over the world sharing what the show means to them.As you read these collected stories from cast and crew, creators and cult fans, I hope that you will find within their stories the inherent oneness that unifies all those who touch, or are touched by, the show. Those whose lives have intersected with Gilmore Girls appear to be all cut from the same cloth, and are part of a wider community that has been shaped by the unique character of the show. They are the global citizens of Gilmore Girls, who each have a story to tell, and a life that has developed in some way through their exposure to the show, and their love for it. For these inhabitants of the Gilmore verse, it is so much more than a television show. It's a lifestyle, it's a religion, it's a family.
Under Ten Million? Anything's Possible!
The indie horror/fantasy/sci-fi scene has waned slightly since peaking around 2016/2017 ), the accent now firmly on "mockbusters" or disaster movies to the extent that everything else (horror and sci-fi) has been shunted into the sidelines. By indie, I refer to those films made by Asylum (The Global Asylum), Full Moon, Cinetel Films, Castel Films Romania, Nu Image and a host of other names unfamiliar to the average fan. Low-budget features can be produced by the big boys; some hit the jackpot, others fall by the wayside, but at least they're being made. These days, with up to (and over) $200 million being splashed out on the likes of Kong: Skull Island, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Transformers: The Last Knight, Pacific Rim, Godzilla: King of the Monsters and all those superhero escapades, 10 million can feel like small change. Independent film companies exist in a totally different kind of cinematic universe, quite happy to appeal to its niche audience, providing them (via DVD, TV, streaming, film conventions, FrightFests or a very limited and selected cinema release) with a never-ending supply of cut-price goodies and bypassing the masses, most of who are completely unaware of their existence. Cameron's Avatar? Yeah, great movie. Jim Wynorski's Shockwave? Who? What? Battle Los Angeles? Loved it. Battle of Los Angeles? Eh? Thought there was only Battle Los Angeles. The 7 Adventures of Sinbad? Sorry -surely you mean The 7th Voyage of Sinbad. Mega Piranha? Well, I've heard of Piranha but Mega Piranha? Jurassic City? Are you referring to Jurassic World? For those of us weary of the pretentious, who have become blas矇 to the over-hyped and indifferent to the bloated, are put off by the constant trumpeting surrounding the latest innovations in the field of special effects (and some turn out to be not all that special), or have tired of the parade of self-gratulatory A-listers, products like Hydra, Ice Twisters, Evil Angel, Lake Mungo, Dark Circles, May, The Dinosaur Project, Dr. Moreau's House of Pain, Howl, Ogre, Bigfoot, Autumn, Reptisaurus, Dark Angel: The Ascent, Age of Dinosaurs, Flight 7500, The Reef, Alien Dawn, The Blackout and 2-Headed Shark Attack are like a breath of fresh cinematic air. These features hark back in many ways to the innocence, zeal and creativeness displayed in the fantasy output of the '50s and '60s, the genre's golden decades. Disaster, end-of-world, outer space, aliens, vampires, werewolves, zombies, teen horror, Frankenstein, serial killer, slasher/splatter, torture-porn, psychological drama, medical horror, other worlds, ghosts, mad doctors, the supernatural, asylums, haunted houses, dinosaurs, mutated insects, lost/found footage, weather formations, giant reptiles and mega sharks---you name it, it's probably been covered by an indie outfit somewhere; there's something to cater to everyone's tastes, a tasty diet of enriching, altogether more divergent, fodder which otherwise would never have been made or seen the light of day. After all, would any of the big motion picture companies take the financial risk of tackling something as unconventional as The Human Centipede (First Sequence) and its two disgusting sequels? I think not. And as for Nude Nuns with Big Guns ...!
Preparing for Scoring Sessions
A detailed guide to preparing to record music for media (film/TV/games) covering everything from organization, budgeting and scheduling to large scale scoring sessions, small scale remote recordings, material preparation and more. This guide covers technical, creative and practical considerations along with tips and examples based on the author's 25 years of experience in the industry working on projects ranging from low budget independent short films, to some of the biggest blockbusters Hollywood has produced.
Frames of Time
Unearth the Magic Behind the Silver ScreenStep into the captivating world of cinema with Frames of Time: A Journey Through Cinematic Evolution. This masterpiece unravels the intricate tapestry of film history, inviting readers to dive deep into the transformation of an art form that has captured the hearts of millions.Have you ever wondered how the magic of cinema came to be? The evocative imagery, the compelling narratives, and the technological marvels? From the grainy black and white reels of yesteryears to the digital masterpieces of today, this book takes you on a mesmerizing voyage through time, revealing the secrets behind your favorite films.Discover the pioneers who dared to dream, the visionaries who reshaped the boundaries of storytelling, and the unsung heroes who revolutionized visual effects. Every chapter is a portal, offering a glimpse into an era, a style, or a movement that has shaped the cinematic universe.Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a seasoned cinephile, or someone with a budding interest in movies - this book promises a treasure trove of insights. Learn about the evolution of genres, the breakthroughs in technology, and the global perspectives that enriched the tapestry of cinema. Each page is a journey, beckoning you to embrace the magic, the challenges, and the triumphs of the world of film.So, why wait? Embark on this enthralling journey through the frames of time and immerse yourself in the stories behind the stories, the passion behind the lens, and the evolution of an art form that continues to redefine itself with every passing frame.
Transnational European Cinema
This book explores how audiences in contemporary Europe engage with films from other European countries. It draws on admissions data, surveys, and focus group discussions from across the continent to explain why viewers are attracted to particular European films, nationalities, and genres, including action-adventures, family films, animations, biopics, period dramas, thrillers, comedies, contemporary drama, and romance. It also examines how these films are financed, produced, and distributed, how they represent Europe and other Europeans, and how they affect audiences. Case-studies range from mainstream movies like Skyfall, Taken, Asterix & Obelix: God Save Britannia, and Sammy's Adventures: A Turtle's Tale to more middlebrow and arthouse titles, such as The Lives of Others, Volver, Coco Before Chanel, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Intouchables, The Angels' Share, Ida, The Hunt, and Blue Is the Warmest Colour. The study shows that watching European films can sometimes improve people's understandings of other countries and make them feel more European. However, this is limited by the strong preference for Anglo-American action-adventures that offer few insights into the realities of European life. While some popular European arthouse films explore a wider range of nationalities, social issues, and historical events, these mainly appeal to urban-dwelling graduates. They can also sometimes accentuate tensions between Europeans instead of bringing them together. The book discusses what these findings mean for the European film industry, audiovisual policy, and scholarship on transnational and European cinema. It also considers how surveys, focus groups, databases and other methods that go beyond traditional textual analysis can offer new insights into our understanding of film.
Breaking Into the Movies
This classic guide to Hollywood screenwriting, written by two of the industry's most influential figures, is a must-read for aspiring writers and film historians alike. Loos and Emerson provide valuable insights into the technical, creative, and business aspects of writing for the movies, drawing on their own experiences as successful screenwriters and producers. This is an essential book for anyone interested in the history of American cinema.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Introduction to Screen Narrative
Combining the expertise of screenwriters and scholars, this book offers a comprehensive overview of how screen narratives work. Exploring feature films, television, animation, and video games, the volume provides a contextual overview of the form and applies this to the practice of screenwriting.
Breaking Into the Movies
First published in 1921, this book provides timeless advice and insider knowledge on how to make it in Hollywood. John Emerson, a successful screenwriter and director, shares his experience and wisdom on how to break into the movies, including tips on writing screenplays, getting noticed by producers, and navigating the film industry.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Darkening the Italian Screen II
This work is a detailed portrait of one of the most important, bustling and absurd industries that cinema has ever known: colorful essays and nine career-spanning interviews with Italian genre directors of the 1970s, such as Luigi Cozzi, Francesco Barilli, Lamberto Bava and more. The directors reflect on their successes, failures and experiences directing films in the Italian westerns, sci-fi and horror genres. Following the anecdotes, gossip and controversies of the industry, the essays employ critical analyses to fully unveil the Italian genre cinema, as well as its impact on films across the world.
Still Rolling
Dwight Little's Hollywood career includes directing and producing major motion pictures for multiple studios, acclaimed television series and even video games. In this memoir, he takes readers along on a movie-making adventure that is by turns funny and brutally honest. There are many on-set interactions with well-known producers and stars along with detailed descriptions of film shoots from the wilds of India to the banks of the River Kwai. Included are tales from the jails of Madrid to the jungles of Fiji and the cold war streets of Budapest. The work seamlessly connects the Golden Age of Hollywood to the highly successful premium television of today. Make or break creative battles, Hollywood intrigues, unpredictable studio executives, and temperamental actors are all documented in colorful detail. Whether the reader is an aspiring filmmaker or just a movie lover, this book has it all, including a unique insight into television directing in the new streaming age and 41 photos, many on-set.
Refocus: The Films of Lawrence Kasdan
AcknowledgementsIntroduction Part I: "I'm making this up as I go" Lawrence Kasdan and Raiders of the Lost ArkChapter 1. Smith and Jones: Discourse Analysis of the Raiders of the Lost Ark Story ConferenceChapter 2. Visual Language in the Raiders of the Lost Ark Screenplay Part II: Kasdan the Director: Developing Style(s)Chapter 3. Body Heat: Heightened Style in the Neo-NoirChapter 4. Classical Structure in the "Perfect Ensemble" of The Big Chill Part III: Voice of the Largest GenerationChapter 5. Altruism and Otherness in The Big Chill, The Accidental Tourist, and Grand CanyonChapter 6. Cowboys, Aliens, and Sixtysomethings: Age and Nostalgia in Kasdan's Later Films Part IV: Influences, Without and WithinChapter 7. From Noir to Kurosawa: Allusion and Homage in Lawrence Kasdan's FilmsChapter 8. Kasdan's Collaborations: Creation and Performance Part V: A Long Time in a Galaxy Far, Far AwayChapter 9. From Star Wars to Saga: Lawrence Kasdan and The Empire Strikes BackChapter 10. Revenge of the Monomyth: Reclaiming the Hero's Journey in Return of the JediChapter 11. A New Hope in The Force AwakensChapter 12. A Changed Man: Solo and BeyondChapter 13. An Interview with Lawrence Kasdan Lawrence Kasdan: Writing and Directing Credits FilmographyBibliography
Derivative Images
Focused on French cultural responses to the 2008 global financial crisis in cinema, literature and theory, Derivative Images offers detailed analyses of post-2008 French-language works, including Les Effondr矇s (2010), Le Grand Retournement (2013) and L'Outsider (2016), to show how they appropriate and reconfigure notions at the heart of the crisis, such as derivatives, financial trading and markets.Drawing on ideas from thinkers such as Jonathan Beller, Yves Citton and Peter Szendy, this book shows how derivatives can be taken as a conceptual resource for thinking about creative practice and the circulation of audio-visual images today.
Superhero Blockbusters
This is the first book-length study to examine the enduring popularity of block-buster films based on DC or Marvel superhero comics properties. It argues that the success of superhero movies is rooted in aesthetic practices unavailable to other types of film, and suggests that the multi-dimensional seriality of these movies, combining practices of serialisation, adaptation, and transmedia storytelling, endows them with an unmatched potential to engage audiences over time and to actively intervene in the discourses of online fandom. The book develops a critical theory of digital-era popular seriality, examining the narrative strategies of superhero movies and their evolution, from 1978's Superman to 2018's Avengers: Infinity War and beyond. It discusses textual and extra-textual practices of fan mobilisation, and considers the genre's shared political imaginary and its purchase on contemporary political debates.
Main Melody Films
Main melody films are propaganda works that pay tribute to the Chinese nation, the party and the army. Since the turn of the century, they have gradually developed into the main genre of Chinese cinema, and its "blockbusterization" is arguably the most phenomenal aspect of the 2010s Chinese film industry. As an increasing number of Hong Kong directors are commissioned to direct main melody blockbusters, Chu examines their contributions to this genre, shedding light on the development of cross-border cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong film industries.
The Money Behind the Screen
The Money Behind the Screen maps the changing landscape of film finance in Britain during a transformative period for the film industry. It is the first book to document the sources of finance for film-making, the relations between film producers and financiers, and the wider fiscal and economic landscape of the British film production industry. It covers a period characterised by recurrent crises for the British film industry which also saw profound and far-reaching changes in the provision of film finance, including the establishment of state support mechanisms for British producers (the National Film Finance Corporation and the Eady levy), the shift from producer-finance to distributor-finance, and the growth of American investment in the British production sector. The book explores three interrelated aspects of the history of film finance: the institutional and economic structure of the production sector of the industry; the sources of production finance, including private and public capital and British and foreign investment; and the role of government in providing support for film production. It is an essential reference work for anyone studying the British film industry.
Refocus: The Films of Lucrecia Martel
Lucrecia Martel has made only four feature films to date, but has nonetheless become one of the world's most admired directors. Her work is extraordinarily sensitive to the limits of sensory perception, the limits imposed by gender roles, and the limits of empathy and affect across social divisions. This edited collection broadens the critical conversation around Martel's work by integrating analyses of her features with the less frequently studied short films and her other artistic projects. This volume's fresh, holistic approach to Martel's career includes contributions from scholars in Latin America, Europe and the United States, and ends with a new interview with Martel herself.
Refocus: The Films of Joao Pedro Rodrigues and Joao Rui Guerra Da Mata
Jo瓊o Pedro Rodrigues and Jo瓊o Rui Guerra da Mata are one of the most cosmopolitan duos in contemporary world cinema. Their films tell us stories of love and human desire, receiving a highly favourable reception among critics and at international festivals. Despite their high profile, Rodrigues and da Mata's work remains relatively understudied. ReFocus: The Films of Jo瓊o Pedro Rodrigues and Jo瓊o Rui Guerra da Mata, paves the way for the study of the directors' work, critically analysing the various cinematic perspectives of their short and full-length feature films. In the first collection solely dedicated to their work, this book addresses the historical, political, stylistic, industry, and cultural dimensions of Rodrigues and da Mata's films, providing critical recognition for their contribution to world cinema.
Theatricality and the Arts
Theatricality and the Arts presents a series of investigations of the notion of 'theatricality'. Primarily, theatricality concerns that which pertains to theatre, but the term has always carried with it the potentially pejorative associations of exaggeration and fakery. The essays here question and contest such associations. The book is divided into four sections which together provide a comprehensive interrogation of theatricality. The four sections begin with multimedia, where theatricality is examined in relation to mixed modes of media (internet art, painting, performance and digital display). A second section takes a philosophical approach to questions of theatricality. A third section looks at art, broadly speaking, but also at the historical contexts of art, photography and other media (literature, film, music). A final section features reflections on theatre and cinema, often in conjunction. Considered as a whole, the collection contributes to debates on theatricality in various fields, while also enabling a cross-examination of approaches to the topic.
Edges of Noir
Edges of Noir challenges the notion that noir film nearly vanished after 1958 until its subsequent "neo-noir" revival between 1973 and 1981. The 1960s, regardless of critical neglect, include some of the most provocative films of the post-World War II decades. Often formally disruptive and experimental, films including Shock Corridor (1963), Mirage (1965), and Seconds (1966) evoke controversial issues of the era, deriving dynamic influences amongst exploitation cinema, sensationalistic American B movies, and the European New Wave movement. Whether the focus is on nuclear destruction, mind control, or surveillance, late noir films, above all else, vividly portray the collective fears from the time.
The Bressonians
How should we understand film authorship in an era when the idea of the solitary and sovereign auteur has come under attack, with critics proclaiming the death of the author and the end of cinema? The Bressonians provides an answer in the form of a strikingly original study of Bresson and his influence on the work of filmmakers Jean Eustache and Maurice Pialat. Extending the discourse of authorship beyond the idea of a singular visionary, it explores how the imperatives of excellence function within cinema's pluralistic community. Bresson's example offered both an artistic legacy and a creative burden within which filmmakers reckoned in different, often arduous, and altogether compelling ways.
