Bibliograph

Projecting the end of the American dream, Hollywood's visions of U.S. decline, Gordon B. Arnold

Type

Label

Projecting the end of the American dream, Hollywood's visions of U.S. decline, Gordon B. Arnold

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 265-271) and index

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Projecting the end of the American dream

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

810111196

Responsibility statement

Gordon B. Arnold

Sub title

Hollywood's visions of U.S. decline

Summary

This provocative book reveals how Hollywood films reflect our deepest fears and anxieties as a country, often recording our political beliefs and cultural conditions while underscoring the darker side of the American way of life. Long before the war in Iraq and the economic crises of the early 21st century, Hollywood has depicted a grim view of life in the United States, one that belies the prosperity and abundance of the so-called American Dream. While the country emerged from World War II as a world power, collectively our sense of security had been threatened. The result is a cinematic body of work that has America's decline and ruin as a central theme. The author draws from popular films across all genres and six decades to illustrate how the political climate of the times influenced their creation. Projecting the End of the American Dream: Hollywood's Visions of U.S. Decline combines film history, social history, and political history to reveal important themes in the unfolding American narrative. Discussions focus on a wide variety of films, including Rambo, Planet of the Apes, and Easy Rider. Presents examples of Hollywood's self-censorship doctrine--from the Motion Picture Production Code to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) film-rating system ; Traces the evolution of American identity on film ; Reveals the government's interest in Hollywood movie-making, including the active role federal agents played in the film industry after September 11 ; Analyzes a broad selection of films from the last 60 years and across genres.--Publisher website

Table Of Contents

American ruin, the American dream, and Hollywood -- Backstory -- A dangerous world -- Above and below the shiny surface -- Rising paranoia -- Eruption -- Disillusion -- Shimmering façade -- Hollow world -- Apocalypse realized

Classification