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Mark L. Berrettini

Hal Hartley

Editura: University of Illinois Press

Anul aparitiei: 2011

Since the late 1980s, Hal Hartley has challenged standards of realist narrative cinema with daring narrative constructions, character development, and the creation of an unconventional visual world. In this pioneering critical overview of his work and its cultural-historical context, Mark L. Berrettini discusses seven of Hartley's feature films, including The Unbelievable Truth, Trust, Simple Men, Amateur, Henry Fool, Fay Grim, and The Book of Life.Drawing on journalism, theories of representation, narrative and genre, and cinema history, Berrettini discusses the absurdist-comedic representation of serious themes in Hartley's films: impossible love, coincidence and human relations, extreme isolation, and the restrictions posed by gender norms. He looks at the films' consistently absurd tone and notes how these themes reappear within framing narratives that shift from the seemingly mundane in Hartley's earliest works to the vibrantly creative and fantastic in his later films. Employing close analysis and theories related to cinematic narrative and to realism, the book's critical appraisal of Hartley's films considers aspects of American independent cinema and postwar European ...

Roberta Price

Huerfano: A Memoir of Life in the Counterculture

Editura: University of Massachusetts Press

Anul aparitiei: 2006

In the late 1960s, new age communes began springing up in the American Southwest with names like Drop City, New Buffalo, Lama Foundation, Morning Star, Reality Construction Company, and the Hog Farm. In the summer of 1969, Roberta Price, a recent college graduate, secured a grant to visit these communities and photograph them. When she and her lover David arrived at Libre in the Huerfano Valley of southern Colorado, they were so taken with what they found that they wanted to participate instead of observe. The following spring they married, dropped out of graduate school in upstate New York, packed their belongings into a 1947 Chrysler Windsor Coupe, and moved to Libre, leaving family and academia behind.Huerfano is Price's captivating memoir of the seven years she spent in the Huerfano ("Orphan") Valley when it was a petrie dish of countercultural experiments. She and David joined with fellow baby boomers in learning to mix cement, strip logs, weave rugs, tan leather, grow marijuana, build houses, fix cars, give birth, and make cheese, beer, and furniture as well as poetry, art, music, and love. They built a house around a boulder high on a ridge overlooking the valley and made ...

Kurt B. Reighley

United States of Americana: Backyard Chickens, Burlesque Beauties, and Handmade Bitters: A Field Guide to the New American Roots Movement

Editura: Harper Paperbacks

Anul aparitiei: 2010

A field guide to the new American Roots movement, United States of Americana is a vivid, fascinating, and comprehensive survey of how and why young urban Americans are finding inspiration in the cultural traditions of an earlier time in many areas of contemporary life. Compiled by Seattle-based writer, DJ, and entertainer Kurt B. Reighley, United States of Americana explores this vibrant cultural phenomenon--from the music, to the clothing, to the food and drink, to the rebirth of home canning, straight razors, burlesque, and circuses.

Directory of World Cinema: Russia

Editura: Intellect (UK)

Anul aparitiei: 2011

Be they musicals or melodramas, war movies or animation, Russian films have a long and fascinating history of addressing the major social and political events of their time. From Sergei Eisenstein s anti-tsarist drama, "The Battleship Potemkin," to socialist realism, to the post-glasnost thematic explosion, this volume explores the sociopolitical impact of the cinema of Russia and the former Soviet Union. Introductory essays establish key players and situate important genres within their cultural and industrial milieus, while reviews and case studies analyze individual titles in considerable depth. For the film studies scholar, or for all those who love Russian cinema and want to learn more, "Directory of World Cinema: Russia "will be an essential companion."

Jay Presson Allen

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie: A Drama in Three Acts

Editura: Samuel French

Anul aparitiei: 2006

Adapted from the novel by Muriel Spark Comedy /4m, 15f / Platform set Miss Brodie is a teacher, a formidable figure who molds young minds to her form. And what is more, she is so intensely interesting that the girls admire her above all else. But Miss Brodie is not honest. She prevaricates and then tells the girls to do as she tells them, not as she does herself. She is having an affair with the music teacher and has had one with the art teacher, and this is not the most exemplary conduct. A fantastic letter which some of her students write in her name to her lover falls into the headmistress' hands.Dismissal is averted by Miss Brodie's indomitable pluck as she threatens to sue for calumny. One girl grows too wise too soon and turns on Miss Brodie. "Fascinating in its insights into a marvelously portrayed eccentric human being." N.Y. Times "Endearing hilarious, lovely, perceptive and splendid." N.Y. Daily News "A dramatic intelligent and merciless study of character. " N.Y. Post

Marc Wanamaker, Julie Lugo Cerra

Movie Studios of Culver City

Editura: Arcadia Publishing (SC)

Anul aparitiei: 2011

After watching pioneer filmmaker Thomas Ince film one of his famous Westerns on Ballona Creek, city founder Harry Culver saw the economic base for his city. Culver announced plans for the city in 1913 and attracted three major movie studios to Culver City, along with smaller production companies. The Heart of Screenland is fittingly etched across the Culver City seal. These vintage images are a tour through the storied past of this company town on the legendary movie lots bearing the names of Thomas Ince, Hal Roach, Goldwyn, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Lorimar, MGM-UA, Columbia, Sony Pictures, DeMille, RKO-Pathe, Selznick, Desilu, Culver City Studios, Laird International, the Culver Studios, and such nearly forgotten mini-factories as the Willat Studios. On these premises, Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, Citizen Kane, E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial, and other classics were filmed, along with tens of thousands of television shows and commercials featuring Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, and many others."

Americana: Readings in Popular Culture, Revised Edition

Editura: Press Americana

Anul aparitiei: 2010

Americana: Readings in Popular Culture, Revised Edition, is a collection of essays examining American culture from 1900 to present. Dozens of scholars investigates five aspects of our society offering unique and original insights into "What We Hear," "What We Watch," "What We Read," "Where We Go," and "The American Identity."

The Cult TV Book: From Star Trek to Dexter, New Approaches to TV Outside the Box

Editura: Soft Skull Press

Anul aparitiei: 2010

As evidenced by the recent proliferation of fan conventions, television show boxed sets, and collectible character figurines, cult TV shows have arguably become the most vital and interesting programming on television. The once-marginal genre manifests itself in a remarkable variety of programs, from the suburban mob drama The Sopranos to the beloved occult fantasy Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The Cult TV Book is a guide to this phenomenon, complete with lively and diverse analyses of the work that goes into conceiving and marketing a cult series, as well as numerous investigations that explore the unique cult appeal of individual programs. Leading scholars, journalists, and writers consider the many aspects of a show -- both script-based and visual -- that attract the kind of uncompromisingly loyal fan bases that we know as "Trekkies," for example, or, more recently, "Losties."The Cult TV Book sheds light on the heretofore under-examined science of addictive TV programming, pinpointing the complex arcs and intentionally inadequate explanations that keep viewers coming back for more. The contributors cover every corner of the cult map, all the while trying to define the elusive genre, ...

Robert Webb, David Mitchell

This Mitchell and Webb Book

Editura: Fourth Estate

Anul aparitiei: 2010

Dive into the bizarre yet strangely familiar world of Mitchell and Webb - the wittiest men on television, or anywhere else.From the two finest comedians of their generation comes the ultimate Christmas comedy book - lavishly illustrated in colour, containing all sorts of outrageous stuff that will have you laughing into the spring and beyond.David Mitchell and Robert Webb have been hard at work cramming all the comic genius that marked their award-winning TV and radio shows into one very beautiful and very funny hardback book.Ted the snooker commentator's Hello Magazine photo shoot will be unveiled for the very first time, and expect guest appearances from Dr Jonathan Miller and CSI's David Caruso.David and Rob have also unearthed Hitler's lost text messages and some notes Peter Mandelson left on his fridge. They will offer tips on surviving the credit crunch for all those that need them.Expect a board game put together by Sir Digby Chicken-Caesar, a guide to the cheeses of Saudi Arabia, and news of the ever-expanding range of Mitchell and Webb products.This Mitchell and Webb book will be supported by a frankly enormous marketing budget and stunning publicity everywhere. This will ...

Chris Evans

It's Not about Me

Editura: HarperCollins (UK)

Anul aparitiei: 2010

Continuing the story of the hugely successful television and radio broadcaster, this sequel documents the remaining journey of self-discovery undertaken by Chris Evans. Picking up after the host's purchase of the immensely popular Virgin Radio, the account depicts how Evans had become a media mogul in his own right, until his life took a darker turn. The end of his career at his own station is covered, followed by the ensuing bitter court case and his bout with alcoholism. Highlighting his discovery of singer Billie Piper and his second chance at fame, this biography captures Chris Evans as he rose phoenix-like from the ashes again, regaining his popularity and professional reputation. Told with wit, verve, and startling honesty, this is the final part of one man's quest in which he learns what holds the most importance in life.

Pamela Clark Keogh

Audrey Style

Editura: HarperCollins Publishers

Anul aparitiei: 1999

Everyone, it seems, is a fan of Audrey's. She was Gigi, a princess, Holly Golightly, a nun, Maid Marian, even an angel. And we believed her in every role. But Audrey Hepburn was also one of the most admired and emulated women of the twentieth century, who encouraged women to discover and highlight their own strength. By example, she not only changed the way women dress--she forever altered the way they viewed themselves.But Audrey Hepburn's beauty was more than skin deep. "You know the Audrey you saw onscreen? Audrey was like that in real life, only a million times better," says designer Jeffrey Banks. For the first time, this style biography reveals the details--fashion and otherwise--that contributed so greatly to Audrey's appeal. Drawing on original interviews with Hubert de Givenchy, Gregory Peck, Nancy Reagan, Doris Brynner, and Audrey Wilder, as well as reminiscences of professional friends like Steven Spielberg, Ralph Lauren, noted Hollywood photographer Bob Willoughby, Steven Meisel, and Kevyn Aucoin, Audrey Style brings the Audrey her family and friends loved to life.With more than ninety color and black-and-white photographs, many of which have never before been ...

John Leland

Hip: The History

Editura: Harper Perennial

Anul aparitiei: 2005

Hip: The History is the story of how American pop culture has evolved throughout the twentieth century to its current position as world cultural touchstone. How did hip become such an obsession? From sex and music to fashion and commerce, John Leland tracks the arc of ideas as they move from subterranean Bohemia to Madison Avenue and back again. Hip: The History examines how hip has helped shape -- and continues to influence -- America's view of itself, and provides an incisive account of hip's quest for authenticity. This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

Deborah Nadoolman Landis

Dressed: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design

Editura: Collins Design

Anul aparitiei: 2007

From the lavish productions of Hollywood's Golden Age through the high-tech blockbusters of today, the most memorable movies all have one thing in common: they rely on the magical transformations rendered by the costume designer. Whether spectacular or subtle, elaborate or barely there, a movie costume must be more than merely a perfect fit. Each costume speaks a language all its own, communicating mood, personality, and setting, and propelling the action of the movie as much as a scripted line or synthetic clap of thunder. More than a few acting careers have been launched on the basis of an unforgettable costume, and many an era defined by the intuition of a costume designer--think curvy Mae West in I'm No Angel (Travis Banton, costume designer), Judy Garland in A Star is Born (Jean Louis and Irene Sharaff, costume designers), Diane Keaton in Annie Hall (Ruth Morley, costume designer), or Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark (Deborah Nadoolman Landis, costume designer).In Dressed: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design, Academy Award-nominated costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis showcases one hundred years of Hollywood's most tantalizing costumes and the ...

Perry Moore

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion

Editura: HarperOne

Anul aparitiei: 2005

See how C. S. Lewis's amazing land of Narnia was brought to the big screen in the major motion picture The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Go behind the scenes and discover how the magic was made! Included inside are: never-before-seen images from the movie; exclusive behind-the-scenes stories; an in-depth discussion with director Andrew Adamson; actor profiles and interviews; Anna's Journal -- an on-the-set diary from actress Anna Popplewell, who portrays Susan Pevensie; and reflections and stories from those who meticulously created the costumes, armor, weapons, creatures, sets, beasts, and special effects. Perry Moore is executive producer of the major motion picture from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Visit www.narnia.com for more information.

Peter Sagal

The Book of Vice: Very Naughty Things (and How to Do Them)

Editura: Harper Paperbacks

Anul aparitiei: 2008

Somewhere, somebody is having more fun than you are. Orso everyone believes. Peter Sagal, a mild-mannered, Harvard-educated radio host--the man who puts the second "l" in "vanilla"--decided to find out if it's true. From strip clubs to gambling halls to swingers clubs to porn sets and back to the strip clubs (but only because he left his glasses there), Sagal explores what the sinful folk do, how much they pay for the privilege, and how exactly they got those funny red marks.

Cathy Whitlock

Designs on Film: A Century of Hollywood Art Direction

Editura: It Books

Anul aparitiei: 2010

With hundreds of rare photographs, set sketches, and original renderings showcasing films of every era and genre--many shown here for the very first time--author Cathy Whitlock offers movie fans a backstage pass to 100 years of Hollywood's most memorable film sets. In the vein of Deborah Landis's Dressed: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design, Whitlock's Designs on Film delivers a fascinating tour through Hollywood's back lots, including the stories of how numerous movies came to their final on-screen looks--whether by collaboration, conflict, or divine chance. Movie enthusiasts, set designers, and fans of classic and modern Hollywood will thrill for this look behind the scenes of Tinsel Town's greatest triumphs.

Lee Mendelson

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: The Making of a Television Classic

Editura: HarperCollins Publishers

Anul aparitiei: 2006

Trick-or-treating has never been more fun--with scary costumes, Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Sally, Schroeder, Linus, and, of course, the Great Pumpkin. Since its first airing forty years ago, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" has become synonymous with Halloween. This collection of remembrances and behind-the-scenes treasures celebrates the timeless television classic with: A full script illustrated with screen art from the showNever-before-seen photographs, storyboard excerpts, and production materialsInterviews with the original child actors who were the voices of the Peanuts gangReminiscences and insider tidbits from executive producer Lee Mendelson and animator Bill MelendezAnd much more

Tony Barr

Acting for the Camera: Revised Edition

Editura: Harper Paperbacks

Anul aparitiei: 1997

Culled from Tony Barr's 40 years' experience as a performer, director and acting teacher in Hollywood, this highly praised handbook provides readers with the practical knowledge they need when performing in front of the camera. This updated edition includes plenty of new exercises for honing on-camera skills; additional chapters on imagination and movement; and fresh material on character development, monologues, visual focus, playing comedy and working with directors. Inside tips on the studio system and acting guilds make it particularly helpful for people new to the business, and numerous anecdotes from actors such as Morgan Freeman and Anthony Hopkins and examples from current movies illustrate its many lessons. It is perfect for acting classes, workshops, all actors who work in front of the camera -- and all those who want to.

Judith Barad, Ed Robertson

The Ethics of Star Trek

Editura: Harper Perennial

Anul aparitiei: 2001

For Trekkies everywhere, a fascinating look at the philosophy of Star Trek, from Kirk and Spock to Janeway and Seven of Nine For four decades, Star Trek has been the obsession of millions of fans. But real Trekkies know that the show is more than just riveting entertainment. Its complex moral dilemmas present a view of the future that holds important truths for us in the present. Drawing on episodes from all four Star Trek generations, this unique book explores the ethics of the series in relation to the theories of the world's great philosophers. Questions about good and evil, right and wrong, power and corruption are discussed in language that, is both readable and compelling as the authors show, how the program has evolved over the years to address society's changing values. For this century and beyond, The Ethics of "Star Trek" is an intriguing look at a brilliantly imagined-world and what it can teach us about how to live.

Matt Groening

The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family

Editura: Harper Perennial

Anul aparitiei: 1997

It's hard to believe that the Simpsons have been around for more than a decade. Today, The Simpsons is the longest-running animated series of all time (dethroning The Flintstones in February 1997), and an intrinsic part of pop culture. The Simpsons Complete Guide to your Favourite Show is a celebration of this family's phenomenal decade. Arranged by season, the book covers each episode of the television show, with the special episodes (the annual Halloween show, "Who Shot Mr. Burns?" and "Krusty Gets Kancelled") receiving eyeball-busting two-page spreads. In addition, special sidebars are sprinkled throughout, showing: Simpsons firstsBart's chalkboard linesTop HomerismsAn Itchy & Scratchy filmographyA Springfield timelineThings the audience may have missed Highlighting the best of every show, The Simpsons is the ultimate celebration of the cartoon family that has kept the world in stitches. It is the ultimate must-have for all Simpsons aficionados.