Awakening from the American Dream: Escape in American Cinema

by Patrick J. Deneen

This book explores the ambivalence that Americans feel toward the theme of escape, first through a brief examination of its role in American political and cultural thought, and then through an examination of several popular films, both American and international, including "The Wizard of Oz," "It's a Wonderful Life," and "Notting Hill." While escape plays a key role in America's origins, it also has drawbacks, such as civic isolation and the loss...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1403961581
• ISBN13: 9781403961587
• Release Date: March 2007
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 256 Pages