Wonderful Design

Glamour in the Hollywood Musical

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Music, Music Styles, Musicals, Performing Arts, Theatre, History & Criticism
Cover of the book Wonderful Design by Lloyd Whitesell, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Lloyd Whitesell ISBN: 9780190843847
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: July 6, 2018
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Lloyd Whitesell
ISBN: 9780190843847
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: July 6, 2018
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

As one of the most beloved and beguiling genres of entertainment, the film musical wears its style ostentatiously. The genre allows for hyperbolic expression, extravagant sonic and visual decor, and extremely stylized forms of movement and performance. By staging a glittering spectacle, by releasing a current of lush sentiment, by unveiling a world of elegance and romance, the film musical woos us with patterns, textures, finesse and sensory display. In this book, author Lloyd Whitesell asks what, exactly, makes film musicals so glamorous. As he argues, glamour projects an aura of ethereality or sophistication by way of suave deportment, sensuous textures, elevated styles, and aesthetically refined effects. Glamour, in other words, is what unites "Cheek to Cheek" from Top Hat and the title song from Beauty and the Beast, each a sonic evocation of luxury, sparkle, grace, and finesse. Whitesell redirects our attention from visual cues like sequins and evening gloves to explore how glamour resides in the sonic. Discussing dozens of musical numbers, analyzing ingenious orchestration, and appraising the distinctive styles of favorite musical stars, Whitesell illuminates fundamental traits of the genre, its aesthetic strategies, and cultural ambitions.

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

As one of the most beloved and beguiling genres of entertainment, the film musical wears its style ostentatiously. The genre allows for hyperbolic expression, extravagant sonic and visual decor, and extremely stylized forms of movement and performance. By staging a glittering spectacle, by releasing a current of lush sentiment, by unveiling a world of elegance and romance, the film musical woos us with patterns, textures, finesse and sensory display. In this book, author Lloyd Whitesell asks what, exactly, makes film musicals so glamorous. As he argues, glamour projects an aura of ethereality or sophistication by way of suave deportment, sensuous textures, elevated styles, and aesthetically refined effects. Glamour, in other words, is what unites "Cheek to Cheek" from Top Hat and the title song from Beauty and the Beast, each a sonic evocation of luxury, sparkle, grace, and finesse. Whitesell redirects our attention from visual cues like sequins and evening gloves to explore how glamour resides in the sonic. Discussing dozens of musical numbers, analyzing ingenious orchestration, and appraising the distinctive styles of favorite musical stars, Whitesell illuminates fundamental traits of the genre, its aesthetic strategies, and cultural ambitions.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book Neoclassical Realist Theory of International Politics by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book Reforming Pensions by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book Part of Our Lives by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book Christopher Wren by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book Constitutional Ethos by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book Tennyson's Rapture by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book Agnes de Mille by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book Evidence: Oxford Bibliographies Online Research Guide by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book Food and Addiction by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book Muted Modernists by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book Social Practices of Rule-Making in World Politics by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book Leaves from the Garden of Eden by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book How Congress Evolves by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book One Nation, Uninsured by Lloyd Whitesell
Cover of the book Uncertain Chances by Lloyd Whitesell
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