Examining the role of songs in film, this book delves into how music occupies both space and time, revealing insights about the emotions conveyed and the dynamics of expression. It explores the significance of who gets to share feelings and the contexts in which these emotions are presented, highlighting the intricate relationship between music and narrative in cinema.
David Fincher's Seven (1995) follows two detectives, David Mills (Brad Pitt) and William Somerset (Morgan Freeman), as they investigate a series of gruesome murders. One of the most acclaimed films of the 1990s, it explores themes of moral decay, human darkness, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Richard Dyer's study of the film, unpacks how its cinematography, sound, and plot combine to create a harrowing account of a world beset by an all-encompassing, irremediable wickedness. He explores the film in terms of sin, story, structure, seriality, sound, sight and salvation, analyzing how Seven both epitomizes and modifies the serial killer genre, which is such a feature of recent cinema. This new edition includes a new afterword by the author, re-assessing the film's lasting impact and influence over contemporary filmmaking aesthetics.
German-born photographer Matthias Schaller discovered the architectural phenomenon of the controfacciata (counter-façade)--a sort of hall or corridor built out from the first floor of a building--while exploring the palaces along the edges of Venice's canals. From 2004 to 2007, he centered his lens on the twilit windows inside these spaces, which imbue the musty elegance of the busts, furniture and paintings that fill them with an ethereal glow, while simultaneously muting all color. In this series, made in the quarter between Ponte di Rialto and Piazza San Marco, Schaller captures the faded grandeur of earlier days, offering tantalizing glimpses of passages that lead to unknown rooms and silent histories. The photographs were made from a direct elevation perspective, highlighting the length of space between Schaller's camera and the light-flooded windows that lead to the water's edge. Controfacciata presents an original view of this city, imbued with the haunting tension and the bittersweet paradox that is Venice.
Brief Encounter (1945), adapted from Noel Coward's play Still Life, is a classic of British cinema – a tale of impossible love between a married woman and a man she meets while waiting for a train. Though it's a film made by men, it is the woman's voice we hear recounting the story of a small-town love affair and her renunciation of it. In his lucid analysis of the film, Richard Dyer explores how its depiction of powerful feelings kept under wraps is a definitive example of a particularly English style of emotional restraint, but also how it spoke to a gay audience for whom this subject – forbidden love between ordinary people – had a special resonance. This reissued edition features original cover artwork by Rania Moudaress and a substantial new foreword that revisits the film and recent readings of it, covering its enduring legacy and adaptation for theatre and television.
The second edition offers a comprehensive analysis of culture, exploring a wide range of topics from royalty to serial killers. Dyer delves into themes of political correctness and examines the influence of films, providing insights into the complexities of societal norms and behaviors. This edition enriches the discussion with updated perspectives, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in cultural critique.
The revised second edition of Richard Dyer's study explores films featuring and created by lesbians and gay men, offering fresh insights into well-known titles while uncovering lesser-known gems. It delves into the representation of LGBTQ+ identities in cinema, highlighting significant themes and cultural impacts, making it an essential resource for film enthusiasts and scholars interested in queer cinema.
Focusing on cultural texts across various mediums, this book delves into the interplay of text and genre, examining how pastiche serves as a creative tool. By analyzing films, videos, novels, poetry, rap, music, and painting, it highlights the significance of these elements in shaping artistic expression and cultural commentary. The exploration offers insights into how diverse forms of art influence and reflect societal themes, making it a comprehensive study of contemporary cultural practices.
Exploring the concept of entertainment, this book examines the significance of pleasure and its distinction from other artistic expressions. It delves into how entertainment prioritizes enjoyment and questions the implications of this focus on its value and impact compared to traditional art forms.
The study delves into the constructed personas of three iconic stars: Marilyn Monroe, Paul Robeson, and Judy Garland, using various film sources. It explores how their images were shaped and the impact of fan culture and stardom on their lives and careers. Through detailed case studies, the author reveals the complexities of celebrity and the societal issues surrounding these legendary figures.
Exploring the evolution of queer identity, Richard Dyer delves into the historical significance of the term 'queers' used for gay men prior to the Stonewall riots. He analyzes the nuances of queer culture, highlighting its distinct characteristics while also addressing its connections to the subsequent gay culture that emerged. Through this examination, the book offers insights into the cultural shifts and the ongoing dialogue surrounding queer identity and representation.