Action Speaks Louder: Violence, Spectacle, and the American Action Movie (Wesleyan Film) [Paperback]

Eric Lichtenfeld (Author)

Book Description

Series: Wesleyan Film | Publication Date: April 27, 2007

For more than 30 years, the action movie has been the film genre that most represents Hollywood to the world, as action films find blockbuster success at box offices internationally. Still, the genre seldom receives the critical attention it deserves. Studying its trends, key components, and visual excesses, this new and expanded edition of Action Speaks Louder traces the genre's evolution to reveal how it has come to assume its place of prominence in American culture. With scores of in-depth case studies--including films such as Dirty Harry, RoboCop, Die Hard, Lethal Weapon, Armageddon, Spider-Man, War of the Worlds, and The Incredibles--author Eric Lichtenfeld draws on film analysis, production histories, critical responses, studio marketing materials, and original filmmaker interviews. Up-to-date and comprehensive, Action Speaks Louder is the definitive study of the movies' most kinetic form of fun.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[A]n intelligent, coherent and frequently illuminating study of a genre that has become firmly entrenched in pop culture."--Geoffrey Berkshire, Variety

"[A]n intelligent, coherent and frequently illuminating study of a genre that has become firmly entrenched in pop culture...The book encourages the idea that, although some action films may be 'mindless,' our reaction to them doesn't have to be."--Geoffrey Berkshire, Variety

Review

"Eric Lichtenfeld accomplishes the impossible, putting action films under the microscope without robbing them of their ability to startle and amuse us. His marriage of popcorn and the provocative produces what can only be called a roller-coaster read." (Steven E. de Souza, screenwriter, Die Hard )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Wesleyan; Rev Exp edition (April 27, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819568015
• ISBN-13: 978-0819568014
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 9 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #169,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yippy Ki Yay...!, May 27, 2007

By 

A. Marks (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Action Speaks Louder: Violence, Spectacle, and the American Action Movie (Wesleyan Film) (Paperback)

Considering how dominant the action film is in American popular culture, it's pretty astounding how little serious scholarship there's been about this important genre, outside of feminist rants (albeit justifiable), or overly intellectualized, post-modern deconstructions written by and for the miniscule audience of academics. ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER is the rare book which is written for the rest of us - for the educated, curious movie-goer who wants to think more seriously about movies we know and might even love.

While he's not above placing films in their historical context, or speculating about their larger meanings and their influences on society, author Lichtenfeld never loses sight of the fact that these movies are commercial enterprises - mass entertainments made within the confines of a commercial marketplace. He explores creative choices made by filmmakers and writers, and the book is peppered with interviews. Aware that form is content, Lichtenfeld delves into the stylistic features of the movies. He also explores how technological advances patently change the nature of these movies.

ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER combines the details fans love (think of a great DVD commentary) with serious scholarship. And best of all, it's highly readable (think extended New Yorker article) - not bogged down by the obfuscating, post-modern jargon that dominates academia. Highly recommended.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An action fan's dream, May 26, 2007

By 

Victor Arone (Hartsdale, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Action Speaks Louder: Violence, Spectacle, and the American Action Movie (Wesleyan Film) (Paperback)

Being both a lover of film and a student of history, you can imagine my interest in this book. Who can deny the impact movies have had on the 20th (and now 21st) century? And what type of film most exemplifies what movies are capable of? Action, brother. Action.

I was introduced to this book and this author through a radio talk show I heard recently. Mr. Lichtenfeld came across as extremely intelligent, likeable and very knowledgeable about his subject matter. I immediately ordered the book from Amazon.

I read it through in one weekend (it's so accessible to even non-film students) and I couldn't believe how much I learned about movies that I had watched over and over again all my life. Mr. Lichtenfeld treats the topic with reverence without once losing the joy of what makes these movies great: the characters, the chases, the explosions and, of course, the lines. His breakdowns of each landmark film and his separation of them into specific categories makes it so easy to follow the development of the action genre over the last half century.

Even the bad films (my apologies, Mr. Seagal), of which there are many, are used as examples of the importance and social influence this genre has had on recent generations. They're all in here: science fiction, superhero actioners and even westerns, of which I have a particular fondness, are discussed.

I will pass this book on to my other film-loving friends with my highest recommendation. And now I'm off to watch 'Lethal Weapon' for the 56th time, albeit with a new outlook.

Finally action movies get their due! It's about time.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly, Fun, and Explosive: The Ideal Text for Fan and Student, May 25, 2007

By 

James F. Day - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Action Speaks Louder: Violence, Spectacle, and the American Action Movie (Wesleyan Film) (Paperback)

As a film student, nearly every class requires certain readings that for us students never do much to enhance our knowledge of the subject matters. Usually, the readings are overly theoretical, and worse, sometimes filled with glaring errors. But "Action Speaks Louder" not only deftly makes it clear that Mr. Lichtenfeld knows what he's talking about -- consistently providing correct dates, names of key crew, and even quotes from the films - while also giving insights into popular movies we've all seen but never from this point of view. What is also very commendable is how up to date Mr. Lichtenfeld is on newer action films. His extended analysis of "Batman Begins" is not only fascinating, but was so thorough and interesting I went out this week to buy the new DVD. His commentary on "War of the Worlds" is also insightful; his writing skills in general drew me into some films I never really thought much about, and in doing so I've grown in respect for the action movie genre. And what's really fun are the unique film stills Mr. Lichtenfeld has pulled -- action shots I've never seen before. So I highly recommend this dynamite look into the action genre. Not only does Mr. Lichtenfeld clearly enjoy writing about film and genre, he has some really interesting things to say, and in the end provides a whole new look into the action genre that makes me want to sit back and watch a couple of explosions from some classic action films.