Review
"Finally we have a full-length critical study of Sayles worthy of the films themselves. Bould's wide-ranging theoretical sophistication, his extensive scholarly research and his intelligent sensitivity to cinema as an art form and to the details of particular movies all combine to make this book a model of how to write about a director's oeuvre. This volume is an ideal vade mecum for those making their first acquaintance with Sayles' extraordinary films, but also has much to teach even those who have been following Sayles' career closely from the beginning. " -- Carl Freedman, Louisiana State University
Product Description
John Sayles is an inspiration to independent filmmakers in America and beyond, both for his engaged political filmmaking and as living proof that directors can survive and thrive without the need for mainstream financing. His 1980s films were the counter-punch to the special effects and blockbuster aesthetics of the Star Wars and Spielberg era, and this volume closely follows his career with analysis of all of his directed works. Through discussion of films such as Return of the Secaucus 7 (1980), The Brother from Another Planet (1984), Matewan (1987) and Sunshine State (2003), this study uncovers themes of racial and sexual otherness, capitalist excess and the erosion of community in his work. With new distribution channels now enabling independent cinema to reach a wider audience than ever before, this timely volume will be of interest to left-wing thinkers, guerrilla filmmakers and all aficionados of independent film.
