Vietnam Veteran Films [Hardcover]

Mark Walker (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0810824752 | ISBN-13: 978-0810824751 | Publication Date: November 1, 1991

This book examines the change in the narrative film image of the returned Vietnam veteran over time, from its initial appearance in the mid-1960s to the early 1990s. Vietnam veterans have appeared as characters in dozens of narrative feature films, from Billy Jack to Wild at Heart. These films are the primary resources of this study, and the book contains both a filmography of these films and a filmography of films set in Vietnam during the conflict (together by far the most comprehensive the author is aware of), as well as a bibliography of the period under examination.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The varied portrayals of Vietnam veterans (called "Vietvets") are examined here, from Stallone's Rambo, "the most popular Vietvet character in American film history," to characters whose Vietvetness is underplayed, like Robert De Niro's in Taxi Driver (1976). Familiar common themes are explored, including veterans' psychological maladjustment, substance abuse, and the inadequate support systems encountered upon their return to the United States. Organized according to film genre (biker films, police films, comedy films, etc.), the analyses are accessible, but somewhat lacking in significant insights. Though more general, still superior are Gilbert Adair's Vietnam on Film: From "The Green Berets" to "Apocalypse Now" ( LJ 6/15/81) and the anthology From Hanoi to Hollywood: The Vietnam War in American Film ( LJ 2/15/91). Recommended for large subject collections.
- Richard W. Grefrath, Univ. of Nevada Lib., Reno
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

...a good reference guide...imparts a passing sense of the war's peculiar and long-standing hold on the American imagination. (Choice )

...a useful reference tool for most libraries. (Arba )

...informative and intelligent. (Classic Images )

...a wonderfully complete filmography... (Film Quarterly )

...layout is a model of clarity...a useful edition [sic] to the music librarian's reference shelves. (S. Wodhouse )

...layout is a model of clarity...a useful edition [sic] to the music librarian's reference shelves..... (S. Wodhouse )

...analyses are accessible...Recommended for large subject collections. (Library Journal )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 238 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (November 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810824752
• ISBN-13: 978-0810824751
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,338,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Comprehensive guide, August 27, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Vietnam Veteran Films (Hardcover)

This book, written by a vet, is an good overview of the genre of Vietnam Veteran films. After reading this one will realize exactly how stereotyped Vietnam Vets have been over the years. These depictions (crazed nuts, maladjusted losers, one man armies) are those that most likely escape most film goers. Another interesting aspect of the book is that the author breaks with other film critics and gives a good mark to the much-slammed John Wayne movie, The Green Berets, since it was the only film for quite a while that portrayed Vietnam soldiers as anything other than psychos. This book is probably best suited for those interested in the Vietnam War and film buffs.