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Queer Cinema in America: An Encyclopedia of LGBTQ Films, Characters, and Stories
by Aubrey MaloneThis reference helps readers navigate the perilous odyssey those of an LGBTQ orientation had to face in an age less enlightened than our own, when an attraction to members of the same gender could lead to horrendous abuse.Just as American society has changed dramatically from decade to decade, so has queer cinema. Taking us from a time when LGBTQ characters were often represented as either caricatures or figures of farce, this lively yet authoritative reference explores the sea change ushered in by such stars as Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich in the 1930s and '40s, androgynous figures such as Montgomery Clift, James Dean, and Marlon Brando in the '50s, and closeted gay men such as Rock Hudson and Liberace, whose double lives were exposed by the scourge of AIDS.Included are alphabetically arranged entries on stars, directors, films, themes, and other topics related to queer cinema in America, including films and persons from outside the U.S. who nonetheless figured prominently in America popular culture. Entries cite works for further reading, sidebars provide snippets of interesting trivia, a timeline highlights key events, and a selected, general, end-of-work bibliography cites the most important major works on the topic.
Projecting the End of the American Dream: Hollywood's Visions of U.S. Decline
by Gordon B. ArnoldThis provocative book reveals how Hollywood films reflect our deepest fears and anxieties as a country, often recording our political beliefs and cultural conditions while underscoring the darker side of the American way of life.Long before the war in Iraq and the economic crises of the early 21st century, Hollywood has depicted a grim view of life in the United States, one that belies the prosperity and abundance of the so-called American Dream. While the country emerged from World War II as a world power, collectively our sense of security had been threatened. The result is a cinematic body of work that has America's decline and ruin as a central theme. The author draws from popular films across all genres and six decades to illustrate how the political climate of the times influenced their creation.Projecting the End of the American Dream: Hollywood's Visions of U.S. Decline combines film history, social history, and political history to reveal important themes in the unfolding American narrative. Discussions focus on a wide variety of films, including Rambo, Planet of the Apes, and Easy Rider.
Projecting Enthusiasm: The Key to Dynamic Presentations for Professionals
by Robert T. TauberRegardless of your profession as a teacher, doctor, writer, or business associate, every presentation is a performance. To know your material is important, but to project your enthusiasm for the subject is just as vital to engage your audience.Research supports that presenters who boast an enthusiastic flair best engage, inform, and motivate their audiences. Dr. Robert Tauber uses his expertise to train you in the most effective presentation tools, with a joyful touch.Delivering a set of performance skills proven to deliver palpable results, Projecting Enthusiasm will teach you how to integrate suspense and surprise, humor, props, voice animation, creative entrances and exits, and more into your next performance. This book won't try to rewrite your speech or bombard you with intimidating critiques. Instead, you will learn that the passion you present gives your message an essential meaning and makes your audience value it as one worth listening to. Projecting Enthusiasm harnesses the exuberant, creative, and informative elements you want to bring to your next presentation and shows you how to do it.
Prime Time Soap Operas (The Praeger Television Collection)
by Douglas M. SnaufferPrime time soaps are often revered long after their runs on television have ended, as Dallas, Twin Peaks, and Beverly Hills 90210 readily demonstrate. Due to their profound impact, it's easy to forget how recently the genre itself was born. Dallas premiered in 1978, and was originally intended to air solely as a five-part mini-series. Then, in 1981, producer Aaron Spelling stepped in and introduced his own ultra-glitzy entry Dynasty. Between these two mega-hits, the era of the nighttime soap was born. Soaps soon spun off into non-traditional avenues as well, in sitcoms like Filthy Rich and the supernatural drama Twin Peaks. Then, with the arrival of the more youth-oriented Fox Network, producers were able to hook an entirely new generation on programs such as Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place, and Party of Five. Pay-cable channels have also stepped into the picture and now act as trendsetters with hits like Sex and the City, Six Feet Under, The Sopranos, and The L Word. Now, from the spiritually themed 7th Heaven to the naughty neighbors of ABC's Desperate Housewives, soaps dominate prime time. Prime Time Soaps covers all the major shows within the soap-opera genre, and also investigates all the ways that soaps have contributed to the development of more general television trends. Interviews with producers, actors, and other artistic collaborators also supplement this revealing and entertaining account.Even outside of their genre, these shows continue to influence current programming. Few series on TV today are purely episodic, instead containing on-going storylines involving the personal dilemmas of their characters. Another very recognizable contribution from soaps occurred on the evening of March 21, 1980, when Dallas finished out its third year with J.R. Ewing being shot by an unknown assailant, leaving fans to wait until the fall for the resolution. This was the beginning of the cliffhanger endings that are now implemented by just about every series on television. Prime Time Soaps covers all the major shows, and also investigates all the ways that soaps have contributed to the development of more general television trends. Interviews with producers, actors, and other artistic collaborators supplement this revealing and entertaining account.
Pop Goes the Decade: The Seventies (Pop Goes the Decade)
by Richard A. HallPart of the Pop Goes the Decade series, this book looks at one of the most memorable decades of the 20th century, highlighting pop culture areas such as film, television, sports, technology, advertising, fashion, and art.All in the Family. Barry Manilow, Donna Summer, and Olivia Newton-John; Styx, Led Zeppelin, and The Jackson Five. Jaws, Rocky, The Exorcist, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Pop Goes the Decade: The Seventies takes a sweeping look at all of the cultural events and developments that made the 1970s a highly memorable era of change and new thinking.This book explores the cultural and social framework of the 1970s, focusing on pop culture areas that include film, television, sports, technological innovations, clothing, and art. A timeline highlights significant cultural moments, and a "controversies in pop culture" section explores the pop culture items and moments of the 1970s that shocked the public and challenged underlying social mores. The book also includes a "Game Changers" section that identifies the public figures and celebrities who had the largest influence during the decade, a technology section that explains how media, news, and culture were shared, and a "Legacy" section that identifies concepts and events from the 1970s that still affect Americans today.
Paul Newman: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Marian Edelman BordenThis book examines the life of the remarkable Paul Newman—an iconic actor, director, race car driver, political activist, businessman, philanthropist, devoted husband, and father.Paul Leonard Newman was a true Renaissance man who is known worldwide for his performances as an actor and director. His career in the entertainment industry stretched over 50 years, as did his marriage to Joanne Woodward—an unusual and notable achievement in Hollywood. Newman was also a talented race car driver, an influential political activist, a savvy businessman, and a passionate philanthropist who created a food company that has donated more than $280 million to charities. But Newman also suffered many defeats throughout his life; he was human, just as we all are.This biography provides a chronological narrative that documents Newman's long life and myriad contributions. Information regarding his early years in Ohio, his service in the U.S. Navy during World War II, his success on the stage and screen, his work with charities and business ventures, and his exploits in auto racing is provided.
Paris Hilton: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Sandra GurvisThis revealing portrait of the real Paris Hilton gets underneath the hype and hate, the glamour and greed.Unlike other biographies that range from the exposé to the gushing, Paris Hilton: A Biography is both detailed and objective. It covers Paris's checkered family history, her privileged yet surprisingly unassuming upbringing, and her explosion with sister Nicky as "It Girls" on the international social scene. Readers will learn how her family influenced her, why she made the decision to step into the limelight, and why she continues today, despite her many critics and setbacks. Each chapter of the biography provides an in-depth view of a specific aspect of Paris's life: her relationship with men and the media, how she turned herself around emotionally and projected a new image, and what makes her such a smart businesswoman. The book also looks at darker moments, including the sex tape, her jail time, and her publicity faux pas. In the end, readers will understand what makes this complex young woman tick—and have a better sense of what it is like to walk a mile in her Manolo Blahniks.
The New Digital Storytelling: Creating Narratives with New Media--Revised and Updated Edition
by Bryan AlexanderNewly revised and updated, this is the essential guide to state-of-the-art digital storytelling for audiences, creators, and teachers.Written for everyone interested in the communication potential of digital media, including educators, marketers, communication professionals, and community activists, this is the ultimate guide to harnessing technology for storytelling. No other book covers the digital storytelling movement as thoroughly as this updated second edition of a popular work, nor does any incorporate as many technologies, from video to augmented reality, mobile devices to virtual reality.The book combines history, analysis, and practical guidance about digital storytelling. It begins with a history that encompasses an exploration of storytelling itself, as well as a description of narratives using digital tools from the 1980s through 2000. From there, the author dives into modern digital storytelling, offering analysis and guidance regarding the use of digital video, podcasting, social media, gaming, mobile devices, and virtual and augmented reality. The work concludes with practical advice about how to create and share digital stories using the most current tools so even the new would-be storyteller can create their first digital narrative. Of course, the second edition is updated to take into account the many ways the field has advanced since the original book appeared. With many new examples of digital stories, this edition's evidence base is current and fresh. New or transformed technologies are also addressed, including virtual reality; mobile devices that have become mainstream tools for creating, sharing, and experiencing digital stories; and the wide variety of new storytelling apps and services.
Miley Cyrus: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Kimberly Dillon SummersThe enchanting story of the real life Hannah Montana and her stunning success as a film, television, and music superstar.This biography tells the story of the real-life Hannah Montana, the daughter of country music superstar Billy Ray Cyrus, who has become an international phenomenon in her own right.Miley Cyrus details the star's life from her Franklin, Tennessee, childhood to snagging the role of Hannah Montana from over 1,000 other hopefuls. The book also follows Cyrus' transition from a wholesome Disney icon to a more mature actress and musician, covering both her efforts to be a positive teen influence, and controversies such as Cyrus' photo shoot for Vanity Fair with her father. As an added bonus, the book offers a complete Hannah Montana episode guide as well as a complete discography of Cyrus' recordings as both Hannah and Miley.
Make 'em Laugh!: American Humorists of the 20th and 21st Centuries
by Zeke JarvisThis lighthearted and eye-opening book explores the role of comedy in cultural and political critiques of American society from the past century.This unprecedented look at the history of satire in America showcases the means by which our society is informed by humor—from the way we examine the news, to how we communicate with each other, to what we seek out for entertainment. From biographical information to critical reception of material and personalities, the book features humorists from both literary and popular culture settings spanning the past 100 years.Through its 180 entries, this comprehensive volume covers a range of artists—individuals such as Joan Rivers, Hunter S. Thompson, and Chris Rock—and topics, including vaudeville, cartoons, and live performances. The content is organized by media and genre to showcase connections between writers and performers. Chapters include an alphabetical listing of humorists grouped by television and film stars, stand-up and performance comics, literary humorists, and humorists in popular print.
Latino American Cinema: An Encyclopedia of Movies, Stars, Concepts, and Trends
by Scott L. BaughLatino American cinema is a provocative, complex, and definitively American topic of study. This book examines key mainstream commercial films while also spotlighting often-underappreciated documentaries, avant-garde and experimental projects, independent productions, features and shorts, and more.Latino American Cinema: An Encyclopedia of Movies, Stars, Concepts, and Trends serves as an essential primary reference for students of the topic as well as an accessible resource for general readers. The alphabetized entries in the volume cover the key topics of this provocative and complex genre—films, filmmakers, star performers, concepts, and historical and burgeoning trends—alongside frequently overlooked and crucially ignored items of interest in Latino cinema. This comprehensive treatment bridges gaps between traditional approaches to U.S.-Latino and Latin American cinemas, placing subjects of Chicana and Chicano, Puerto Rican, Cuban and diasporic Cuban, and Mexican origin in perspective with related Central and South American and Caribbean elements. Many of the entries offer compact definitions, critical discussions, overviews, and analyses of star artists, media productions, and historical moments, while several foundational entries explicate concepts, making this single volume encyclopedia a critical guide as well.
Lady Gaga: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Paula JohansonThis biography details Lady Gaga's life from all angles, documenting her family background; the events before and during her meteoric rise to success as a songwriter, singer, and performance artist; her deft use of social media; and her political commentary.Lady Gaga: A Biography details Lady Gaga's life from birth to 2011. Readers will learn about her personal background—where she was born, who her parents were, what her early school years as a "weird girl" with "rabbit teeth" were like—as well as her pre-fame years where she gained an education in music and "paid her dues" as a small-time professional in small performance venues. The many milestones of her wildly successful career so far are documented in detail, as are Haus of Gaga, the artistic collective that supports her performances; her ongoing activities as a performer; her presentation in couture and accessories; and her stated intentions for the future.This book will be an engrossing read for fans of Lady Gaga as well as anyone interested in popular culture or the entertainment industry. Its inclusion of chapter endnotes containing quotations and controversial points along with a bibliography of print and electronic resources make it an authoritative research tool for students as well.
Kanye West: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Robert C. Jr.A revealing biography of Kanye West explores the artist—and the man.Kanye West is a star. His music has jumped from sensation to staple in the rap industry, while his personality, his philosophies, and his willingness to speak out for what he believes in regularly place him at the center of controversy. Kanye West: A Biography traces the star's life from his birth through the present day to paint a detailed picture of the artist and the man.Raised by a single mother who was an English professor in Chicago, West admits he came from "the wrong side of the mall" rather than the wrong side of the tracks. His name, his style, and the way he conducts his business are unique. His thoughtful reflections in interviews reveal a complex man few have taken the time to understand. This biography looks at that multifaceted star, exploring his career as singer and producer, but also looking at the forces that prepared him to chase his dreams—and chase off anyone who stood in his way.
Jerry Garcia: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Jacqueline EdmondsonThis biography offers students and general readers an insightful look into Jerry Garcia's creative genius as a founding member of The Grateful Dead and the various influences on his work as he contributed to the countercultural movement in the United States.As a founding member of The Grateful Dead, Jerry Garcia became famous for his work as a key creative force in this band. Known for free flowing jam sessions, psychedelic drug use, and a loyal fan base, The Grateful Dead combined a variety of genres, including blues, folk and country rock to create new and different sounds than those used by other popular bands at the time, including The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. Garcia contributed significantly to an era in American music that was influenced by social changes, war, and political strife. Yet Garcia's creative genius expanded beyond the fame that came as lead guitarist and vocalist for the Dead. From the time he was a young boy learning to play the piano in the Excelsior district of San Francisco, Garcia explored various genres and forms of music and visual art. This biography offers students and general readers an insightful look into Garcia's creative genius and the various influences on his work as he contributed to the counter-cultural movement in the United States.
Inspired by True Events: An Illustrated Guide to More Than 500 History-Based Films
by Robert J. NiemiAn up-to-date and indispensable guide for film history buffs of all kind, this book surveys more than 500 major films based on true stories and historical subject matter.When a film is described as "based on a true story" or "inspired by true events," exactly how "true" is it? Which "factual" elements of the story were distorted for dramatic purposes, and what was added or omitted? Inspired by True Events: An Illustrated Guide to More Than 500 History-Based Films, Second Edition concisely surveys a wide range of major films, docudramas, biopics, and documentaries based on real events, addressing subject areas including military history and war, political figures, sports, and art. This book provides an up-to-date and indispensable guide for all film history buffs, students and scholars of history, and fans of the cinema.
Icons of African American Comedy (Greenwood Icons)
by Eddie M. TafoyaThis in-depth compilation of the lives, works, and contributions of 12 icons of African-American comedy explores their impact on American entertainment and the way America thinks about race.Despite the popularity of comedic superstars like Bill Cosby and Whoopi Goldberg, few books have looked at the work of African-American comedians, especially those who, like Godfrey Cambridge and Moms Mabley, dramatically impacted American humor. Icons of African American Comedy remedies that oversight. Beginning with an introduction that explores the history and impact of black comedians, the book offers in-depth discussions of 12 of the most important African-American comedians of the past 100-plus years: Bert Williams, Moms Mabley, Redd Foxx, Dick Gregory, Flip Wilson, Godfrey Cambridge, Bill Cosby, Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, Damon Wayans, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle. Each essay discusses the comedian's early life and offers an analysis of his or her contributions to American entertainment. Providing a variety of viewpoints on African-American comedy, the book shows how these comedians changed American comedy and American society.
Howard Stern: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Rich MintzerThis revealing look at the life and career of Howard Stern examines his role as a champion of free speech and his amazing success at bringing his own unique brand of "reality" radio to the airwaves.First Amendment rights, particularly freedom of speech, play an integral part in all modern means of communication. Howard Stern has tested the limits and pushed the boundaries of freedom of speech to the delight of some and the disgust of others. Howard Stern: A Biography explores this long-debated topic and sheds light on how one media star has made a significant difference.Offering an engaging and insightful look at the life and career of radio's leading Shock Jock, the book explores Stern's youth, his first forays into radio, and his desire to move up in a competitive medium. Of course, it also covers his battles with the Federal Communications Commission, how he was finally able to sidestep the censors, and the significant changes the battle brought about in what is deemed acceptable on radio.
Hollywood's Native Americans: Stories of Identity and Resistance (Non-ser.)
by Angela AleissThis book highlights the contributions and careers of Native Americans who have carved impressive careers in Hollywood, from the silent film era of the early 1900s to the present, becoming advocates for their heritage.This book explores how the heritage and behind-the-scenes activities of Native American actors and filmmakers helped shape their own movie images. Native artists have impacted movies for more than a century, but until recently their presence had passed largely unrecognized. From the silent era to contemporary movies, this book features leading Native American actors whose voices have reached a broad audience and are part of the larger conversation about the exploitation of underrepresented people in Hollywood.Each chapter highlights Native actors in lead or supporting roles as well as filmmakers whose movies were financed and distributed by Hollywood studios. The text further explores how a "pan-Indian heritage" that applies to all tribes in terms of spirituality, historical trauma, and a version of ceremony and storytelling have shaped these performers' movie identities. It will appeal to a wide range of readers, including fans of Westerns, history buffs of American popular cinema, and students and scholars of Native American studies.
Hollywood Heroines: The Most Influential Women in Film History
by Laura L. S. Bauer, EditorThis is a topical resource that provides a comprehensive look at the most influential women in Hollywood cinema across a wide-range of occupations rarely found together in a single volume.Unlike other anthologies, Hollywood Heroines: The Most Influential Women in Film History is a hybrid of film history and industry information with an exclusive focus on prominent women. This reference work includes more commonly discussed categories of important women in Hollywood film history, such as directors and actresses, and reaches beyond them to encompass women working as cinematographers, casting directors, studio heads, musical composers, and visual and special effects supervisors. The wide range of filmmaking crafts covered in the book provides an acute view of the industry and increases the visibility of and quality of representation for women working in Hollywood. By bringing the experience of these influential women to light, Hollywood Heroines joins a growing movement that endeavors to dismantle harmful, long-standing industry myths that perpetuate the systemic underrepresentation of women and the devaluation of women's stories in the Hollywood film industry.
Hollywood Biblical Epics: Camp Spectacle and Queer Style from the Silent Era to the Modern Day
by Richard LindsayThis is the only book of its kind to explore biblical epics from an LGBT perspective, studying films from the silent era, to the postwar major studio era, to the present day.In spite of restrictive Hollywood censorship regulations, filmmakers throughout history have pushed the boundaries of sex and violence when making religious films. In this unrivaled text, author and educator Richard Lindsay analyzes the relationship between bible-based epics and "camp"—films with overwrought acting, casts of thousands, and exotic sexuality. Lindsay presents the ways in which camp style identifies films as "biblical" in the mainstream imagination, while undermining their traditional religious messages through the inclusion of sexually diverse subtexts.Viewed through this lens, this provocative book explores topics like the Jazz Age excesses of The King of Kings, the pre-code decadence of The Sign of the Cross, the horror movie tropes of The Passion of the Christ, and comparisons between Ben-Hur and the gay male fantasies of 1960s beefcake magazines. Additional content features the history of biblical epics and a comparison of the pious expectations of filmgoers against the real content of the films.
Hip Hop Dance (The American Dance Floor)
by Mohanalakshmi RajakumarThis guide provides an overview of the history of hip hop culture and an exploration of its dance style, appropriate both for student research projects and general interest reading.Rapping. Breakdancing. MCing. DJing. Beatboxing. Graffiti art. These are just some of the most well-known artistic expressions spawned from hip hop culture, which has grown from being an isolated inner-city subculture in the 1970s to being a truly international and mainstream culture that has taken root in countries as diverse as Japan, France, Israel, Poland, Brazil, South Korea, and England.This insightful book provides not only an overview of hip hop's distinctive dance style and steps, but also a historic overview of hip hop's roots as an urban expression of being left out of the mainstream pop culture, clarifying the social context of hip hop culture before it became a widespread suburban phenomenon. Hip Hop Dance documents all the forms of street music that led to one of the most groundbreaking, expressive, and influential dance styles ever created.
Halle Berry: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
by Melissa Ewey JohnsonThe biographies in this series for high school students are both factual and fun to read; length and format are designed to meet educators' requirements and students' interests. This book in the series details the life of actress Halle Berry from childhood through adulthood, shedding light on her family background, her personal and professional influences, and her accomplishments and struggles in an industry where many of the parts she played were written with a white actress in mind. The book includes B&W photos of Berry throughout her career, a timeline, a filmography of film and TV appearances, and a list of major awards and nominations.
Gus Van Sant: His Own Private Cinema (Modern Filmmakers)
by Vincent LoBruttoThis incisive book provides an in-depth critical and biographical study of the artistic range of film director Gus Van Sant.Arranged chronologically, Gus Van Sant: His Own Private Cinema provides a comprehensive overview of the life and art of this talented director, covering his mainstream, commercial, and avant-garde projects. More than a biography, the book examines Van Sant's incredibly diverse body of work, exploring the influence of his open homosexuality; of fine art, literature, and music; and of the range of cinema styles to which he has been exposed.Stressing Van Sant's wide-ranging content, genre, style, and cinematic presentation, author Vincent LoBrutto details the filmmaker's autobiographical tendencies and how he uses the film craft, literature, popular music, and fine arts to create his movies. The book dissects ways in which each of his films reflects Van Sant's sexual orientation, whether the individual film has a gay theme or not. Because of its importance to Van Sant's films, the book also offers a history of gay culture, past and present, covering its influence on art, music, theater, and dance, as well as community, activism, and prejudice.
The Great Depression on Film (Hollywood History)
by David LuhrssenThis book presents the Great Depression through the lens of 13 films, beginning with movies made during the Depression and ending with films from the 21st century, and encourages readers to examine the various depictions of this period throughout history.The Great Depression on Film is a unique guide to how the Great Depression was represented and is remembered, making it an excellent resource for students or anyone interested in film history or U.S. history. Each film is set in a different sector of American life, focusing on such topics as white supremacy, political protest, segregation, environmental degradation, crime, religion, the class system, and popular culture in the U.S. during the 1930s.This book is indispensable for clearing away misconceptions fostered by the movies while acknowledging the power of film in shaping public memory. The book separates fact from fiction, detailing where the movies are accurate and where they depart from reality, and places them in the larger context of historical and social events. Eyewitness or journalistic accounts are referenced and quoted in the text to help readers differentiate between ideas, attitudes, and events presented in the films, as well as the historical facts which inspired those films.
George Clooney: An Actor Looking for a Role
by Mark BrowningThis book traces the evolution of George Clooney's successful career, from his humble start as a television heartthrob to his current position as one of the most powerful figures in film making today.It can be said that George Clooney has crafted his artistic brand through a mixture of smart career choices of roles, carefully nuanced performances, and key relationships with directors. He is not just an accomplished actor but a major Hollywood player, serving as director, producer, and writer on many projects. His work garners critical acclaim, and his influence and creative input have been the main reason why some of his films exist at all. This fascinating book analyzes the impressive career trajectory of one of the industry's most powerful figures today.George Clooney: An Actor Looking for a Role is the first book to examine the full range of Clooney's career. Arranged by genre, sections include early television work, romantic comedies, action films, heist movies, political thrillers, and films that blend a number of different genres. Clooney's contributions have not only resulted in three Oscar acting nominations and one win, but his work continues to challenge the conventions of the traditional form and expands the definition of key genres.