The Epic in Film: From Myth to Blockbuster [Paperback]

Constantine Santas (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0742555291 | ISBN-13: 978-0742555297 | Publication Date: November 28, 2007

Constantine Santas encourages us to wonder why film critics have so routinely dismissed the epic film. In The Epic in Film, he argues that 'blockbuster' and 'artistic' are not mutually exclusive terms, and, perhaps more importantly, epic film is an inherently profound genre in its ability to tap into a nation's, and sometimes humanity's, dreams and fears. Why do we see dozens and dozens of films based on the King Arthur legend? Why would a presidential-hopeful borrow a phrase, 'Read my lips,' from Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry? Why do war epics proliferate in times of war or national crisis? Why are epics as a whole the most popular movie genre? Start with an individual quest of some kind undertaken by an attractive hero or heroine, add the weight of a nation, and perhaps humanity, into that character's struggle, sprinkle some awe-inspiring special effects and a general sense of largesse, and don't forget the happy ending; and there you have a recipe for a film that can contain the deepest emotions_fear, hope, insecurity, pride_of a nation, and, sometimes, a world. Whether you love Gone with the Wind and hate Troy; find Akira Kurosawa's films brilliant; or marvel over the depth of the Matrix trilogy, film buffs will want to read this first book-length treatment of the epic, a wildly popular, infinitely fascinating, and critically underappreciated genre.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book is useful for scholars looking for a discussion of epic using classic films. (Journal Of Popular Culture )

In this new, ambitious examination of epic films, Constantine Santas artfully argues for the viability and surprising longevity of this narrative form. . . . Santas whole-heartedly studies the epic in all its components, values, history and modernizations to educate film-buffs and academics, alike. . . . Santas argues with penetrating details. (Film And History )

About the Author

Constantine Santas is professor emeritus and former chair in the Department of English at Flagler College, Florida. He is the author of Responding to Film and has translated several works from Greek to English.

Product Details

• Paperback: 246 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (November 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0742555291
• ISBN-13: 978-0742555297
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,272,832 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Pointless and Poorly Written, December 4, 2009

By 

Brandi Bair "Brandi Bair" (Pittsburgh, Pa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Epic in Film: From Myth to Blockbuster (Paperback)

When reading this book it is obvious that the author put little time or effort into finding research to back up his claims. The views and opinions expressed in this book are over-simplified, and trivial at best. Even briefly skimming this book is likely to anger fans of any epic at the injustice it does the film genre.