America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality at the Movies

By Harry M. Benshoff

Book Overview

America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality in the Movies is a lively introduction to issues of diversity as represented within the American cinema. Introduces issues of diversity as represented within the American cinema in a lively and accessible manner. Provides a comprehensive overview of the industrial, socio-cultural, and aesthetic factors that contribute to cinematic representations of race, class, gender, and sexuality. Is designed specifically for students and includes 101 illustrations, a glossary of key terms, questions for discussion, and lists for futher reading and further viewing. Includes case studies of a number of films, including The Lion King , The Jazz Singer , Smoke Signals, The Grapes of Wrath, and The Celluloid Closet. Each chapter features a concise overview of the topic at hand, a discussion of representative films, figures, and movements, and an in-depth analysis of a single film.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0631225838
• ISBN13: 9780631225836
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: Blackwell Pub
• Length: 392 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.8" x 0.8" x 7.0"

Customer Reviews

Full of Great Information!

This book is full of great information about film and it's history but not in a dated way. There are a ton of case studies of various types of films new and old that help shed some light on the film and get you thinking about it more deeply and not just as entertainment or "I liked or didn't like it". I think the case studeis are the parts I like best and the glossary and index and very easy to read. There are a lot of good pictures of celebrities and scenes from films in the book and many are from the authors own personal collection. The authors explain the new terms clearly and the information is very revelent to anyone who has anything to do with the media. Be it you love watching movies, are a film major, or a culture buff. It's a good read for anyone doesn't seem like a typical textbook. I will be keeping it! America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality at the Movies, Second Edition

Modern Film industry

I love this book, it offers excellent analysis of the film industry and the importance/social weight and influence that the industry carries. Wonderful source for those interested in Film, Sociology, or any related fields