Film Stardom and the Ancient Past

Idols, Artefacts and Epics

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Performing Arts, Film
Cover of the book Film Stardom and the Ancient Past by Michael Williams, Palgrave Macmillan UK
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Williams ISBN: 9781137390028
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK Publication: January 13, 2018
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan Language: English
Author: Michael Williams
ISBN: 9781137390028
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication: January 13, 2018
Imprint: Palgrave Macmillan
Language: English

This book offers the first comprehensive exploration of how the ancient past has shaped screen stardom in Hollywood since the silent era. It engages with debates on historical reception, gender and sexuality, nostalgia, authenticity and the uses of the past. Michael Williams gives fresh insights into ‘divinized stardom’, a highly influential and yet understudied phenomenon that predates Hollywood and continues into the digital age. 

Case studies include Greta Garbo and Mata Hari (1931); Buster Crabbe and the 1930s Olympian body; the marketing of Rita Hayworth as Venus in the 1940s; sculpture and star performance in Oliver Stone’s Alexander (2004); landscape and sexuality in Troy (2004); digital afterimages of stars such as Marilyn Monroe; and the classical body in the contemporary ancient epic genre. The author’s richly layered ‘archaeological’ approach uses detailed textual analysis and archival research to survey the use of the myth and iconography of ancient Greece and Rome in some of stardom’s most popular and fascinating incarnations. 

This interdisciplinary study will be significant for anyone interested in star studies, film and cultural history, and classical reception.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This book offers the first comprehensive exploration of how the ancient past has shaped screen stardom in Hollywood since the silent era. It engages with debates on historical reception, gender and sexuality, nostalgia, authenticity and the uses of the past. Michael Williams gives fresh insights into ‘divinized stardom’, a highly influential and yet understudied phenomenon that predates Hollywood and continues into the digital age. 

Case studies include Greta Garbo and Mata Hari (1931); Buster Crabbe and the 1930s Olympian body; the marketing of Rita Hayworth as Venus in the 1940s; sculpture and star performance in Oliver Stone’s Alexander (2004); landscape and sexuality in Troy (2004); digital afterimages of stars such as Marilyn Monroe; and the classical body in the contemporary ancient epic genre. The author’s richly layered ‘archaeological’ approach uses detailed textual analysis and archival research to survey the use of the myth and iconography of ancient Greece and Rome in some of stardom’s most popular and fascinating incarnations. 

This interdisciplinary study will be significant for anyone interested in star studies, film and cultural history, and classical reception.

More books from Palgrave Macmillan UK

Cover of the book Prospects and Challenges of Free Trade Agreements by Michael Williams
Cover of the book Family Business Models by Michael Williams
Cover of the book Conservative Economic Policymaking and the Birth of Thatcherism, 1964-1979 by Michael Williams
Cover of the book Day Nurseries & Childcare in Europe, 1800–1939 by Michael Williams
Cover of the book World Cinema and Cultural Memory by Michael Williams
Cover of the book Blake, Myth, and Enlightenment by Michael Williams
Cover of the book The Innovation for Development Report 2009-2010 by Michael Williams
Cover of the book Writing about Quantitative Research in Applied Linguistics by Michael Williams
Cover of the book Psychotherapy in an Age of Narcissism by Michael Williams
Cover of the book Evidence for Public Policy Design by Michael Williams
Cover of the book Social Impact Finance by Michael Williams
Cover of the book Sex, Honor and Citizenship in Early Third Republic France by Michael Williams
Cover of the book Frank H. Knight by Michael Williams
Cover of the book The Rise of Asian Firms by Michael Williams
Cover of the book Political Biology by Michael Williams
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy