| Hollywood's Ancient Worlds Contributor(s): Richards, Jeffrey (Author) |
|
 |
ISBN: 1847250076 ISBN-13: 9781847250070 Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic OUR PRICE: $76.00 Product Type: Hardcover Published: September 2008 Annotation: A new, full analysis of the Ancient World epic and how this film genre continues to comment on modern-day issues. |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Performing Arts | Film - History & Criticism |
| Dewey: 791.436 |
| Physical Information: 0.9" H x 6.2" W x 9.2" (1.15 lbs) 240 pages |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Jeffrey Richards examines the cultural, social, economic and technological circumstances that dictated the rise and decline of each successive cycle of Ancient World epics, from the silent film era, to the golden age of the 1950s, right up to the present day (Gladiator, 300, Rome). Analysis reveals that historical films are always as much about the time in which they are made as they are about the time in which they are set. The ancient world is often used to deliver messages to the contemporary audience about the present: hostility to totalitarian regimes both Fascist and Communist, concern at the decline of Christianity, support for the new state of Israel, celebrations of equality and democracy, and concern about changing gender roles. The whole adds up to a fresh look at a body of films that people think they know, but about which they will learn a good deal more. |
Contributor Bio(s): Richards, Jeffrey: - JEFFREY RICHARDS is Professor of Cultural History at Lancaster University, UK, and has published widely on different aspects of Victorian culture. His most recent publications include Imperialism and Music, Sir Henry Irving: A Victorian Actor and his World and Hollywood's Ancient Worlds. |