Some Like It Hot
Billy Wilder's classic screwball comedy Some Like it Hot (1959), starring Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe, tells the story of two struggling Jazz musicians who accidentally witness a mob massacre in Chicago who then, disguised as women, join a female band to escape the gangsters' pursuit. Despite the film's popular reception, with Academy Award nominations for Wilder and star Jack Lemmon, the film gained notoriety for its crossdressing plot and gender-bending comedy. Steven Cohan's study of the film disentangles its production history and subsequent notoriety from the film itself, reconsidering the ways in which it playfully challenged generic and gender conventions of the 1950s. He provides an in depth analysis of the film's near perfect comedic structure, Wilder's aesthetic choices and self-reflexive star performances by Curtis, Lemmon and Monroe. He goes on to consider the film's queerness, as well as its promotion and reception in 1959. Contextualizing the film within its contemporary moment, he argues its textual richness, one that allows it to be viewed differently across generations, securing its lasting influence in popular culture.
Mutants- Androids- and Aliens
In both literature and film, mutants, androids, and aliens have long functioned as humanity's Other--nonhuman bodies serving as surrogates to explore humanity's prejudice, bigotry, and hatred. Scholars working in fields of feminism, ethnic studies, queer studies, and disability studies, among others, have deconstructed representations of the Othered body and the ways these fictional depictions provide insight into the contested terrains of identity, subjectivity, and personhood. In science fiction more broadly and the superhero genre in particular, the fictional Other--often a superhero or a villain--is juxtaposed against the normal human, and such Others have long been the subject of academic investigation. Author James A. Tyner shifts this scholarly focus to consider the ordinary humans who ally with or oppose Othered superheroes. Law enforcement officers, military officials, politicians, and the countless, nameless civilians are all examples of humans who try to make sense of a rapidly changing more-than-human and other-than-human universe. The resulting volume, Mutants, Androids, and Aliens: On Being Human in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, provides a critical posthumanist reading of being human in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Centering the MCU's secondary human characters, including Matthew Ellis, Ellen Nadeer, Rosalind Price, as well as Jimmy Woo, Sadie Deever, Holden Radcliffe, and others, Tyner considers how these characters attempt to monitor, incarcerate, or exterminate those beings considered "unnatural" and thus threatening. Placing into conversation posthumanism, environmental ethics, and myriad philosophical and biological ontologies of life and death, Tyner maintains that the superhero genre reflects the current complexities of meaningful life--and of what happens in society when "the human" is no longer the unquestioned normative standard.
Mutants, Androids, and Aliens
In both literature and film, mutants, androids, and aliens have long functioned as humanity's Other--nonhuman bodies serving as surrogates to explore humanity's prejudice, bigotry, and hatred. Scholars working in fields of feminism, ethnic studies, queer studies, and disability studies, among others, have deconstructed representations of the Othered body and the ways these fictional depictions provide insight into the contested terrains of identity, subjectivity, and personhood. In science fiction more broadly and the superhero genre in particular, the fictional Other--often a superhero or a villain--is juxtaposed against the normal human, and such Others have long been the subject of academic investigation. Author James A. Tyner shifts this scholarly focus to consider the ordinary humans who ally with or oppose Othered superheroes. Law enforcement officers, military officials, politicians, and the countless, nameless civilians are all examples of humans who try to make sense of a rapidly changing more-than-human and other-than-human universe. The resulting volume, Mutants, Androids, and Aliens: On Being Human in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, provides a critical posthumanist reading of being human in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Centering the MCU's secondary human characters, including Matthew Ellis, Ellen Nadeer, Rosalind Price, as well as Jimmy Woo, Sadie Deever, Holden Radcliffe, and others, Tyner considers how these characters attempt to monitor, incarcerate, or exterminate those beings considered "unnatural" and thus threatening. Placing into conversation posthumanism, environmental ethics, and myriad philosophical and biological ontologies of life and death, Tyner maintains that the superhero genre reflects the current complexities of meaningful life--and of what happens in society when "the human" is no longer the unquestioned normative standard.
Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect
Crafting Short Screenplays That Connect, Sixth Edition, stands alone among screenwriting books by emphasizing that human connection, though often overlooked, is as essential to writing effective screenplays as conflict.Award-winning writer and director Claudia Hunter Johnson teaches you the all-important basics of dramatic technique and guides you through the challenging craft of writing short screenplays with carefully focused exercises of increasing length and complexity. In completing these exercises and applying Johnson's techniques and insights to your own work, you will learn how to think more deeply about the screenwriter's purpose, craft effective patterns of human change, and strengthen your storytelling skills. This 25th Anniversary Edition features 11 short screenplays, including Academy Award winning Barry Jenkins' (Moonlight, If Beale Street Could Talk) luminous short film, My Josephine (now in the Criterion Collection), and an accompanying companion website that features the completed films and additional screenplay examples. The book has also been updated and expanded to include more excerpts from leading films and TV series as well as collaboration exercises and invaluable guidance about giving and receiving effective feedback.This ground-breaking book will show you how to advance and deepen your screenwriting skills, increasing your ability to write richer, more resonant short screenplays that will connect with your audience. It remains an absolute must-have resource for students of screenwriting.
Producing Film and Television
This book is about what it takes to be a producer, the person responsible for getting a project off the ground and seeing it through to a conclusion. Written by two highly experienced television and film producers, this is the ultimate guide to navigating the world of film and television production in the UK.
Mothers on American Television
Mothers on American television takes an in-depth look at how motherhood is represented on some of the most popular television series produced this century. Adopting a feminist, Marxist, cultural studies and psychoanalytical approach, the book offers a history of the positioning of mothers within American society. It provides detailed analysis of The Sopranos, Sex and the City, The Handmaid's Tale and more, while reflecting on the newspaper 'mommy wars', employment patterns and alternative views of motherhood.
Disabled People Transforming Media Culture for a More Inclusive World
Habiba Djahnine
This volume focuses on contemporary Algerian feminist documentary filmmaker Habiba Djahnine as a 'memory-bearer' who gives voice to her compatriots to tell their own stories in her films. It provides the reader with exposure to key issues in contemporary Algerian culture and history (colonial, the Algerian War, the Black Decade of the 1990s), memory and women's and human rights. The book gives a brief overview of Algerian cinema, Algerian women filmmakers and situates Djahnine's oeuvre and its significance within the North African context. It examines her work as a feminist, teacher and poet and how she transmits this locally and transnationally. The book also explores how Djahnine uses documentary film form for personal and autobiographical explorations of Algerian history, culture, memory and trauma.
The CinemaScope Years
Virtually every current widescreen movie, television broadcast or streamed image benefits from the techniques that have evolved since the widespread adoption of the first practical use of anamorphic photography: CinemaScope. Wildly successful, CinemaScope with its huge screen and vividly panoramic images lured audiences away from their television sets and ended a sharp decline in moviegoing attendance. And yet, generations who grew up from the 1960s through the 1990s experienced these films in a completely disfigured format, sized to fit black-and-white television screens of the era. The chapters in this book provide a first-time re-evaluation of the cinematic qualities of all 538 major studio-produced/financed films shot in CinemaScope. Also included are excerpts of interviews with cameramen and directors who describe in detail the development and problems presented by widescreen production. Each title entry includes a brief synopsis including major cast members, an analysis highlighting the artistic values present or absent, and comments from critics and trade papers pertinent to the use of the wide screen process.
Spanish-Language Television
How Spanish-language television networks continue to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape. The US television industry has suffered blow after blow amid media convergence and the rise of streaming. Those legacy broadcasters that survive are much diminished and highly dependent on live programming--the last redoubt of old media. There is an exception, though: Spanish-language television is thriving. Spanish-Language Television surveys the Latinx media landscape to better appreciate why Univision and Telemundo have flourished while others faltered. Manuel G. Avil矇s-Santiago and Jillian M. B獺ez show that the major Spanish-language networks are unusually flexible and open to innovation in hopes of reaching new demographics. Univision and Telemundo were early to streaming. To appeal to "billennial" audiences--bilingual millennials--who threatened to stray from TV, they rebuilt the telenovela, which now features social commentary, diverse characters, and genre crossovers. Today's reality programs defy old norms of linguistic correctness, and the airwaves are becoming less hospitable to racism and sexism, resulting in rising ratings and ad revenues. The first book-length treatment of reception patterns in Latinx TV, Spanish-Language Television deepens our understanding of new media in a moment of transformation and possibility.
Spanish-Language Television
How Spanish-language television networks continue to thrive in a rapidly changing media landscape. The US television industry has suffered blow after blow amid media convergence and the rise of streaming. Those legacy broadcasters that survive are much diminished and highly dependent on live programming--the last redoubt of old media. There is an exception, though: Spanish-language television is thriving. Spanish-Language Television surveys the Latinx media landscape to better appreciate why Univision and Telemundo have flourished while others faltered. Manuel G. Avil矇s-Santiago and Jillian M. B獺ez show that the major Spanish-language networks are unusually flexible and open to innovation in hopes of reaching new demographics. Univision and Telemundo were early to streaming. To appeal to "billennial" audiences--bilingual millennials--who threatened to stray from TV, they rebuilt the telenovela, which now features social commentary, diverse characters, and genre crossovers. Today's reality programs defy old norms of linguistic correctness, and the airwaves are becoming less hospitable to racism and sexism, resulting in rising ratings and ad revenues. The first book-length treatment of reception patterns in Latinx TV, Spanish-Language Television deepens our understanding of new media in a moment of transformation and possibility.
Global Mountain Cinema
This book is dedicated to the particular challenges and opportunities mountains raise for histories and theories of cinema. In German-speaking countries, the relationship between mountains and cinema has been largely reduced to a small canon of Alpine filmmakers whose work has been categorized as the Classical Bergfilm. However, from a transnational and transgeneric perspective, the field of mountain cinema is not only much richer and more diverse, but also addresses questions that are vital to film and media studies and inform postcolonial and environmental discourses in the Anthropocene. In this vein, our volume goes beyond national contexts to provide a timely and much-needed investigation into the generic innovations and intersectional negotiations of national, ethnic, and gender norms that take place in mountain cinema and its related media forms.
Women and Documentary Film in Contemporary Iran
By merging three (inter)disciplinary areas of documentary film studies, women's and gender studies, and Iranian studies, this book looks at how Iranian women documentarians have engaged with gender politics and sociocultural and technological changes since the late 1990s to produce a dynamic new range of documentary modes in regard to production, financing, distribution and exhibition, as well as forms and themes. In mapping out the politics and aesthetics of women's independent documentary film practices in contemporary Iran, Women and Documentary Film in Contemporary Iran: Reframing Reality delineates how women documentarians have incorporated the unique possibilities offered by the documentary medium to perform their agency, subjectivity and creativity, and how the medium of documentary itself has served as a much-needed document of, and advocate for, Iranian women's issues.
Eco-Theory and Annihilation
Eco-theory and Annihilation is part of the Film Theory in Practice series, which blends the explanation of a film theory with the interpretation of a film and provides discrete examples of how film theory can serve as the basis for textual analysis. This book offers a concise introduction to eco-theory in jargon-free language and shows how this theory can be deployed to interpret Alex Garland's controversial film adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer's hit novel Annihilation. Eco-theory is one of the most exciting and timely offshoots of contemporary critical theory, but it is too frequently treated as only a recent development. Covering historical developments in nature philosophy, geology, and organic chemistry, as well as contemporary critical methodologies like systems theory and new materialism, Eco-Theory and Annihilation introduces readers to the full extent of eco-theory's lively variations, as well as investigates the complications that arise when those variations are mediated by the generic expectations of filmic science fiction. This book illuminates the deep history of eco-theory, maps its contemporary coordinates, and demonstrates how it can shed light on Garland's provocative eco-sci-fi thriller.
The Cabin in the Woods
The Cabin in the Woods (2012), directed by Drew Goddard and co-authored by Goddard and Joss Whedon of Buffy-fame, was famously described by co-author Whedon as his 'loving hate letter' to horror. Interviews with Whedon reveal that his struggles with modern cinematic horror are not merely emotional, but intensely philosophical. This book is the first to read Cabin as a philosophical metatext that asks what horror offers audiences and why audiences accept. Like any good philosophy, the film offers no answers but raises questions: what 'choices' are possible in a pre-determined universe? How do we, the audience, see the victims of violence, and with what ethical consequences? And finally, the most fraught question of all: why do we keep looking?
Tcm Imports
Whether you're a longtime film buff or new to foreign movies, TCM Imports is an essential, accessible guide to an absorbing selection of cinema from around the world, curated by Turner Classic Movies host Alicia Malone. International cinema offers a one-of-a-kind window to the world, allowing viewers to experience foreign cultures and unique expressions of cinematic art, but it can feel daunting to approach for newcomers or to expand upon even for seasoned movie buffs. Let TCM Imports be your guide to a wide-ranging and engrossing collection of movies from around the world. Featuring films from every continent, touching on international waves--including, but by no means limited to, those renowned from Europe--and spanning a century of moviemaking, this resource is comprehensive but accessible. TCM Imports includes an eclectic list of films, including those that have been called high art, low art, or cult classics. There are obvious choices and some weird ones, but all are a good time, and all will inspire you to explore a different side of cinema. Each movie is covered with just enough description to get you excited (no spoilers!); behind-the-scenes stories; background on the filmmakers, stars, genres, and movements the films were a part of; and illustrated by full-color and black-and-white photos. With a thematic organization by seasons and moods inspired by time of year, this guide will set you up to enjoy a movie each week for a full year of foreign treasures, or allow you to dive into a binge-watch. Viewer's choice! ​ Among the films included: Amelie (2001), Ikiru (1952), Lady Snowblood (1973), The Girls (1968), In the Mood For Love (2000), Ali: Fear Eats the Soul (1974), Bicycle Thieves (1948), Daisies (1966), Spring in a Small Town (1948), Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995), Late Spring (1949), Went the Day Well? (1942), The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928), Black Girl (1966), The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967), Purple Noon (1960), Cl矇o From 5 to 7 (1962), Parasite (2019), L'Avventura (1960), Metropolis (1926), The Rules of the Game (1939), Devi (1960), Death of a Cyclist (1955), Pale Flower (1964), Fanny and Alexander (1982), Black Christmas (1974), My Night at Maud's (1969)
Directors Tell the Story
The freshest storytelling today is on television, where the multi-episodic format is used for rich character development and innovative story arcs. This exciting new edition of Directors Tell the Story continues to offer rare insight and advice straight from two A-list television directors whose credits include Elsbeth, Tracker, Criminal Minds: Evolution, The Ms. Pat Show, Chicago Med, and many more.Here, in one volume, learn everything you need to know to become an excellent director. Covering everything through prep, shoot, and post, the authors offer practical instruction on how to craft a creative vision, translate a script into a visual story, establish and maintain the look and feel of a television show or film, lead the cast and crew, keep a complex operation running on time and on budget, and effectively oversee editing and postproduction. Directors Tell the Story provides behind-the-scenes access to the secrets of successful directors, as well as exercises that use original scripted material. This newly updated edition features: - More roles on set, including on-set writers, producing directors, intimacy coordinators, virtual production supervisors, and virtual production designers - New material covering updates to cameras, lighting, and new innovations in sound - Updated "Insider Info" sections with advice and tips known only to working professionals- Profiles of top film and TV luminaries - Additional "How I Got My First Directing Job" stories from a diverse range of directors currently in the trenches. Suited to students in both beginning and intermediate level directing and production courses, as well as aspiring professionals, this book provides valuable insight. The work is supported by a fresh instructor and student online resource featuring directing tutorials and video interviews with the authors.
Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video
Producing and Directing the Short Film and Video, Sixth Edition is the definitive book on producing and directing short films for the serious film student or beginning filmmaker. Its unique two-fold approach looks at filmmaking from the perspectives of both the producer and director, and clearly explains how their separate roles must work together to create a successful short film or video. Through extensive examples from award-winning shorts and insightful interviews, you will learn about common challenges these filmmakers encountered during each step of filmmaking process--from preproduction to production, postproduction, and distribution--and the techniques they used to overcome them.The Sixth Edition has been carefully updated to include: - New, in-depth cases studies of esteemed short films- Fresh interviews with the filmmakers integrated alongside the text, as well as new images and behind-the-scenes coverage of production processes- Completely revamped sections on cameras, distribution and exhibition- A new section on technologies related to VR and AR- Expanded coverage on health and safety when filmingPacked full of advice and tips on the role of both director and producer throughout the entire process, this is an essential resource for anyone wanting success on their short film.Electronic support material containing useful forms and information on distributors, grants and financing sources, film and video festivals, film schools, internet sources for short works, and professional associations is available for download.
Eco-Theory and Annihilation
Eco-theory and Annihilation is part of theFilm Theory in Practice series, which blends the explanation of a film theory with the interpretation of a film and provides discrete examples of how film theory can serve as the basis for textual analysis.This book offers a concise introduction to eco-theory in jargon-free language and shows how this theory can be deployed to interpret Alex Garland's controversial film adaptation of Jeff VanderMeer's hit novel Annihilation.Eco-theory is one of the most exciting and timely offshoots of contemporary critical theory, but it is too frequently treated as only a recent development. Covering historical developments in nature philosophy, geology, and organic chemistry, as well as contemporary critical methodologies like systems theory and new materialism, Eco-Theory and Annihilation introduces readers to the full extent of eco-theory's lively variations, as well as investigates the complications that arise when those variations are mediated by the generic expectations of filmic science fiction.This book illuminates the deep history of eco-theory, maps its contemporary coordinates, and demonstrates how it can shed light on Garland's provocative eco-sci-fi thriller.
The Art of Directing
This accessible book is an exploration of the condition of the director from an insider's perspective, discussing how directors survive and thrive in the immensely challenging environment of the film and television industry.
