Customer Reviews

America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality at the Movies, Second Edition

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I would like this book more if the authors had been more thorough. The theories about socio-political trends reflected in cinema are very valid but provided without citation. Although "further reading" suggestions are provided at the end of each chapter, no specific citations are made for any of the statements. As a book aimed towards students, the authors are providing a poor example.

I realize that the book is geared towards introductory level students, but it could have been a much different and frankly more interesting book if it had just gone further and been a little less sloppy. For example, one statement that immediately bothered me was one that was used as the basis throughout the book. "For the working purposes of this introduction, capitalism as an ideology can be defined as the belief that success and worth are measured by one's material wealth." (Introduction, page 9) Why? Who says? Isn't that actually materialism, not capitalism? Definition of materialism by The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: "2. The theory or attitude that physical well-being and worldly possessions constitute the greatest good and highest value in life." Sure, the author is talking about ideology and the tendency of capitalism to promote commodity fetishism. Why not just directly quote Das Kapital by Karl Marx? His model of dominant ideologies (see Wikipedia entry http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominant_ideology for a summary) are exactly what the authors use to explore their subject matter and yet they don't SAY that. In "further reading", one book suggested is "Marxism and Literature", so fine, the reader could theoretically gain the same knowledge there, but it's bad academic form to make sweeping statements without any kind of evidence. It also denies the student a richer learning experience and leads to the practice of "parroting" commonly held views without knowing the truth behind them.

And as far as cultural reform goes, it's doing anti-discrimination and equal rights causes a disservice because if they don't provide evidence and sound logic in a scholarly manner, people of opposing viewpoints can discredit their arguments as typical liberal speculation. Thus their very valid criticisms of Hollywood films hold less weight.

This book could have been a major work, had the authors developed it further and used a more academic approach. I guess it's fine as an introductory text, but even so it still should have used a bibliography.

This book is full of great information about film and it's history but not in a dated way. There are a ton of case studies of various types of films new and old that help shed some light on the film and get you thinking about it more deeply and not just as entertainment or "I liked or didn't like it". I think the case studeis are the parts I like best and the glossary and index and very easy to read. There are a lot of good pictures of celebrities and scenes from films in the book and many are from the authors own personal collection. The authors explain the new terms clearly and the information is very revelent to anyone who has anything to do with the media. Be it you love watching movies, are a film major, or a culture buff. It's a good read for anyone doesn't seem like a typical textbook. I will be keeping it! America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality at the Movies, Second Edition

This book seems most relevant when viewed as a sociology text than as a film text. The authors provide many good examples of films where images of race, class and gender are portrayed in support of what the authors call the "dominant ideology". They are very critical of Hollywood, taking the film industry to task for the many ways it has irresponsibly and carelessly used its power in film as well as the way it treated actors and employees.

However, this isn't a particularly enjoyable book to read. The book is from the viewpoint of the authors and few references cited as external support. There's a seemingly endless supply of example films, but no discussion with actual directors, writers or actors. What is *their* opinion and experiences? You know, the people who worked for these bloodsucking, sexist, racist and abusive studios? Furthermore, while I don't have a problem with using Sigmund Freud's work in either a crediting or discrediting role (the book does both), I would much rather see analysis from contemporary researchers and professionals. Citing Freud when applicable to films or views in his time is appropriate; citing him for a modern or clinical definition of fetishization seems inappropriate considering Freud's reputation for being occasionally wrong, nuts, or both.

With a little less dryness, fresher approaches and more supporting examples, this could be an outstanding work. As it stands right now, it's more like a highly polished version of someone's thesis.

I love this book, it offers excellent analysis of the film industry and the importance/social weight and influence that the industry carries. Wonderful source for those interested in Film, Sociology, or any related fields

Books like this one are actually more divisive than corrective in terms of addressing social problems. As another reviewer stated, according to this book, EVERYTHING is racist, offensive and discriminatory. While it does contain some valid assessments and historical information regarding prejudices and stereotyping in Hollywood over the years, it is largely flawed by an almost completely paranoid view of the film industry and the apparent desire to brand everything as socially-insensitive.

This book ultimately is a waste of time, ink, and paper, although it's not without its comedic value. Some of its "reading way too far into it and desperately grasping for what's not really there" analyses are worth reading for the unintentionally-humorous, borderline-conspiracy-theorist content.

Simply put, this book is the work of two authors who have nothing useful to say or contribute to society. As a result of this (and as noted by yet another reviewer), the authors are just looking to appear more knowledgeable and informed than you are by branding everything as racially- and ethnically-offensive and insensitive.

Essentially, this book just set out to prove that everyone and everything is racist. There was little support for any of the arguments, and a lot of them were just circular arguments, reworded for emphasis. I was unable to sell it back to a bookstore after I completed the course, which only fuels my bitterness towards this book.