Leo Braudy Boeken

Investigates the careers and cinematic accomplishments of twenty-three great directors including Antonioni, Bergman, Capra, Chaplin, Fellini, Hitchcock, Truffaut, and Welles

An award-winning scholar and author charts four hundred years of monsters and how they reflect the culture that created themLeo Braudy, a finalist for both the National Book Award and the National Book Critics Circle Award, has won accolades for revealing the complex and constantly shifting history behind seemingly unchanging ideas of fame, war, and masculinity. Continuing his interest in the history of emotion, this book explores how fear has been shaped into images of monsters and monstrosity. From the Protestant Reformation to contemporary horror films and fiction, he explores four major the monster from nature (King Kong), the created monster (Frankenstein), the monster from within (Mr. Hyde), and the monster from the past (Dracula). Drawing upon deep historical and literary research, Braudy discusses the lasting presence of fearful imaginings in an age of scientific progress, viewing the detective genre as a rational riposte to the irrational world of the monstrous. Haunted is a compelling and incisive work by a writer at the height of his powers.

This is an expanded and updated edition of an introduction to film aesthetics. In addition to extracts from the writings of film theorists, there are pieces on genre, narrative, feminism, psychoanalysis and the cultural impact of film

An impressive exploration of ambition, this work showcases a remarkable narrative that captivates with its depth and complexity. The author masterfully weaves together themes of aspiration and achievement, creating a compelling experience that resonates with readers. The intricate storytelling and rich character development elevate it to a tour de force in literature, promising to leave a lasting impact.

Exploring the intricate ties between warfare and concepts of masculinity, this scholarly work delves into how societal views of manhood have evolved alongside military practices. The narrative spans from the citizen soldiers of ancient Greece and medieval knights to contemporary figures like Al Qaeda terrorists, highlighting the shifting ideals of masculinity throughout history. Through literature and sociology, it examines how the archetype of the warrior has shaped perceptions of manliness across various cultures.

"'I could have been a contender, I could have been somebody.' So speaks the haunted former boxer Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) to his brother Charley (Rod Steiger) in a scene from On the Waterfront (Elia Kazan, 1954) that is one of the most famous in all cinema. Set among unionised New York longshoremen, Kazan's film (from a screenplay by Budd Schulberg) recounts Terry's struggle against corruption and his ultimate, hard-won victory." "The marvellous performances of Brando, Steiger and Eva Marie Saint (as well as Karl Malden and Lee J. Cobb), Boris Kaufman's photography and Leonard Bernstein's score all justify the film's fame. But On the Waterfront is also notorious, regarded by many as an attempt at justifying the decision on the part of Kazan (and Schulberg) to name names before the House UnAmerican Activities Committee. That controversial decision is still incendiary today (as was evidenced in the furore that surrounded Kazan's Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1999)." "With Kazan's death in 2003 and Brando's in 2004, a reappraisal of On the Waterfront is timely and necessary. In this definitive study, Leo Braudy tells the complicated story of the film's production. He revisits the facts behind the controversy of Kazan's testimony but, above all, he analyses the elements which contribute to the enduring appeal of On the Waterfront: the Method-inspired acting, the music and cinematography, the use of authentic locations and its powerfully symbolic depiction of post-war American values."--Jacket

"Revised and updated to incorporate suggestions from film instructors and critics nationwide, the fourth edition of this classic text is a thorough introduction to the evolving aesthetics and controversies of nearly a century, from the earliest attempts to define the cinema to the most recent efforts to place film in the context of psychology, sociology, and philosophy. Building upon the wide range of selections and extensive historical coverage that marked the previous editions, 37 essays have been added. The editors have rewritten chapter introductions and revised each section to show the impact of new thinking on the continuing debate over the nature of film reality, the film image, film genre, and the film performer. The sections on genre, the film artist, and the relation of film to the other arts have been greatly expanded. Several essays addressing the issue of film sound have also been included."--Jacket