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Bigger Than Blockbusters Movies That Defined America
James Roman
ISBN: 0-313-33995-3
ISBN-13: 978-0-313-33995-0
415 pages
Greenwood Press
Publication: 2/17/2009
List Price: $59.95 (UK Sterling Price: £41.95)
Availability: In Stock
Media Type: Hardcover
Trim Size: 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
Subjects: Reviews:
  • "A noteworthy feature of the book is its organization. It is arranged by decade to illustrate the cultural and historical context of the films of a particular period."
    —Reference & Research Book News     May 2009
  • "Roman's study functions as both a 20th-century historical survey and a film compilation, focusing on movies that
    changed American culture from 1915 through 2008. . . . The writing style is academic but accessible. Film students will appreciate grouped discussions, within selected chapters, of topics such as Hitchcock's films, the French New Wave movement, and musicals. Additional resource information includes alphabetical and chronological lists of the films discussed, a comprehensive bibliography of print and electronic sources, and a detailed index. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty; general readers."
    —CHOICE     August 2009
Description: Whether it's the hum drum existence of Marion Crane and her illicit love affair, the psychotic antics of Norman Bates, the sudden irrational migration of birds, a crop duster swooping down on Roger Thornhill in the middle of nowhere, or Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace's unforgettable dance at Jack Rabbit Slim's - they are all cinematic moments that forever changed the psyche and viewing experience of American audiences. Bigger Than Blockbusters: Movies That Defined America tells the stories behind the most significant and influential films in American culture, movies that have had a profound influence on the literary, cinematic and popular culture of our time.

Arranged chronologically, the volume gives readers an opportunity to place the films within the context of the social and cultural historic dynamic of the time, making this an ideal source for student papers and reports. Each entry includes the filmmaker, actors, release information, a synopsis of the film, critics' reviews, awards, current availability, and then background on the making of the film in an artistic, economic, and technological context. Spanning all genres, including horror and drama, adventure, comedy, musicals, science fiction, and more, this volume is loaded with enough trivia and factoids to satisfy even the most die-hard movie buff. Also included are other Greatest Films compilations from the National Society of Film Critics and noteworthy sources for comparative purposes. Guaranteed to inspire forays into film favorites as well as some very lively debate, this resource is essential reading for film lovers and students alike.
Table of Contents:
  • Introduction
    Chapter 1:Through a Glass Darkly, 1915-1938
    Chapter 2: A Rumble to War, 1939-1942
    Chapter 3: Boom & Bust: the Films of Post War America, 1946-1947
    Chapter 4: The Hop, Bop, and Stroll, 1950-1959
    Chapter 5: The Space Race, Civil Rights, and a Nation Torn, 1960-1969
    Chapter 7:Platform Shoes, Pet Rocks, Disco and a Dysfunctional Presidency, 1970-1979
    Chapter 8: Bits, Bytes, and Boomers, 1980-1989
    Chapter 9:TITLE FOTHCOMING, 1990-1999
    Chapter 10: The New Millennium, 2000-2008
    Appendix A: Films Listed Chronologically
    Appendix B: Films Listed Alphabetically
    Bibliography
About the Author: JAMES ROMAN is Professor of Film and Media Studies at Hunter College, City University of New York. He is the author of Love, Light, and a Dream (Praeger, 1996) and From Daytime to Primetime (Greenwood, 2005).
LCC Class: 791.430973-dc22
PDF Catalogs:
Greenwood School and Public Library Reference Spring 2008.pdf
Pop Culture Spring 2008.pdf
Greenwood Spring Reference 2008.pdf
Greenwood School and Public Library Reference 2009.pdf
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