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America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality at the Movies, Second Edition 2nd Edition

4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 198 ratings

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America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality in the Movies, 2nd Edition is a lively introduction to issues of diversity as represented within the American cinema.
  • Provides a comprehensive overview of the industrial, socio-cultural, and aesthetic factors that contribute to cinematic representations of race, class, gender, and sexuality
  • Includes over 100 illustrations, glossary of key terms, questions for discussion, and lists for further reading/viewing
  • Includes new case studies of a number of films, including Crash, Brokeback Mountain, and Quinceañera
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Concluding each chapter are discussion questions and lists of further reading and relevant films. Particularly valuable are the 28 two-page case studies (e.g., of Lion King, Jazz Singer, Grapes of Wrath, Gilda, Celluloid Closet, Crash, Brokeback Mountain) scattered throughout. These analyze the films in terms of culture group. A model of sociological criticism and an invaluable tool (in classroom or library) for film students." (CHOICE, August 2009)

"
America on Film is a different kind of film studies textbook. It's an invaluable resource for classes examining the politics of Hollywood." Ted Friedman, Associate Professor of Moving Image Studies, Georgia State University

“The authors do a remarkable job at presenting contexts for identifying and tracking the historical constructions of race, gender, class and sexuality … They successfully present a rich history, with references to hundreds of films.” Scope Journal

"America on Film provides a clear and expansive examination of the complexities of representation and identity in American cinema. I currently use Benshoff and Griffin's book in my introductory film class on multiculturalism, and I look forward to using this new edition." Vicki Callahan , University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

"In this era of diversity, American on Film is a great resource that clarifies critical concepts of inequality and illustrates how film representations can frame groups thus providing tools for thinking critically about the media we consume." Elizabeth Higginbotham, University of Delaware

"America on Film does what no other film textbook does: it takes its investigation of film beyond a study of form, production and exhibition, exposing how film functions as a powerful cultural agent for shaping American perceptions of race, gender, class and ability." Alison Landsberg, George Mason University

From the Back Cover

"America on Film is different kind of film studies textbook. It's an invaluable resource for classes examining the politics of Hollywood."
Ted Friedman, Georgia State University

"The authors do a remarkable job at presenting contexts for identifying and tracking the historical constructions of race, gender, class, and sexuality &; They successfully present a rich history, with references to hundreds of films."
Scope Journal

"America on Film provides a clear and expansive examination of the complexities of representation and identity in America cinema. I currently use Benshoff and Griffin's book in my introductory film class on multiculturalism, and I look forward to using this new edition."
Vici Callahan, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

"In this era of diversity, American on Film is a great resource that clarifies critical concepts of inequality and illustrates how film representations can frame groups, thus providing tools for thinking critically about the media we consume."
Elizabeth Higginbotham, University of Delawarwe

"America on Film does what no other film textbook does: it takes its investigations of film beyond a study of form, production and exhibition, exposing how film functions as a powerful cultural agent for shaping American perceptions of race, gender, class, and ability."
Alison Landsberg, Georgia Mason University

America on Film: Representing Race, Class, Gender, and Sexuality at the Movies is a lively introduction to issues of diversity as represented within the American cinema. The first synthetic and historical text of its kind, America on Film provides a comprehensive overview of the industrial, socio-cultural, and aesthetic factors that contribute to cinematic representations of race, class, gender, and sexuality. The volume chronicles the cinematic history of various cultural groups, examines forces and institutions of bias, and stimulates discussion about the relationship between film and American national culture.

The book is organized within a broad historical framework, with specific theoretical concepts - including film genre, auteurism, cultural studies, Orientalism, the "male gaze," feminism, and queer theory - integrated throughout. Each individual chapter features a concise overview of the topic at hand, a discussion of representative films, figures, and movements, and an in-depth analysis of a single film, including The Lion King, The Jazz Singer, Smoke Signals, The Grapes of Wrath, and The Celluloid Closet.

This new edition is fully revised and updated. It includes a new chapter on the representation of disability in American film, and a new collection of updated case studies, including discussions of Erin Brockovich, 8 Mile, Crash, and Brokeback Mountain, among others.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1405170557
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Blackwell Pub; 2nd edition (January 1, 2009)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 453 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781405170550
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1405170550
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.25 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.5 x 1 x 9.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 4.2 out of 5 stars 198 ratings

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Harry M. Benshoff
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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
198 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and easy to understand. They appreciate the historical context and useful information provided about film. However, some readers find the content boring and a waste of time. There are mixed opinions on the characterization, with some finding it clear and insightful, while others consider some viewpoints ridiculous and flawed.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

19 customers mention "Information value"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book useful and informative. They find it easy to understand, with good points made about the film industry. The material is easy to read and helpful for writing essays. Some readers mention it's perfect for class.

"This is one of my favorite books about film. It's smart, but easy to understand for readers not well versed in the jargon of cinema studies...." Read more

"The book is really very interesting! It's very didactic, it makes difficult concepts easy to understand. Besides the film critiques are great!!..." Read more

"Despite it being a requirement for my Cinema class, the book was engaging, well written..." Read more

"...Useful and accessible for anyone who wants to learn more about how to "read" film with a more critical eye." Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and well-written. It makes difficult concepts understandable, though some find it simple and basic at times. Overall, it's a decent introduction text.

"...It's smart, but easy to understand for readers not well versed in the jargon of cinema studies...." Read more

"...It's very didactic, it makes difficult concepts easy to understand. Besides the film critiques are great!!..." Read more

"...it being a requirement for my Cinema class, the book was engaging, well written (albeit with a politically-liberal slant - from a liberal m'self)..." Read more

"...This textbook is a bit outdated, but it's really well written, and of course, the film history still holds true." Read more

4 customers mention "History"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful and informative about the history of film. They appreciate the valid assessments and historical information regarding prejudices.

"...While it does contain some valid assessments and historical information regarding prejudices and stereotyping in Hollywood over the years, it is..." Read more

"...outdated, but it's really well written, and of course, the film history still holds true." Read more

"Extremely informative as the history of film is reviewed and explored.0" Read more

"Such a helpful book about film." Read more

4 customers mention "Characterization"2 positive2 negative

Customers have different views on the book. Some find it provides a clear analysis of race and gender in film, while others feel some viewpoints are ridiculous and flawed.

"This books offers a terrific overview of the representation of race, gender, sexuality, and class in Hollywood films...." Read more

"...This text is a tragic look at how extremism and rabid feminist-theory can actually work to discredit important concepts and ideas...." Read more

"Benshoff provides wonderfully clear analysis on stereotypes and gender in film...." Read more

"Provided some good history but a lot of critiques/statements were seriously flawed..." Read more

4 customers mention "Boredom"0 positive4 negative

Customers find the book boring and a waste of time, ink, and paper.

"...This book ultimately is a waste of time, ink, and paper, although it's not without its comedic value...." Read more

"good conditions. book was kinda boring though" Read more

"It was not very interesting. I only bought it for school. But it was very helpful when writing essays and stuff" Read more

"...it's very informative and has some great talking points, it's also very boring." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2015
    This is one of my favorite books about film. It's smart, but easy to understand for readers not well versed in the jargon of cinema studies. For anyone who is interested in meta, pop culture, or gender/race/class theory, this book is a must have. I used the prior edition in undergrad and fell in love so much I had to buy the new one as well for its new sections on disability in film.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 3, 2024
    Bought for a college class, good book.
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 8, 2012
    The book is really very interesting! It's very didactic, it makes difficult concepts easy to understand. Besides the film critiques are great!! They make you become aware of things you hadn't noticed when watching the film. I'm VERY happy with it. Amazon delivery service was also impeccable!!
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2017
    Despite it being a requirement for my Cinema class, the book was engaging, well written (albeit with a politically-liberal slant - from a liberal m'self) and genuinely easy to read.
    Recommend even if you aren't taking a class.
    Also mine came practically new, so thanks!
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2010
    This book seems most relevant when viewed as a sociology text than as a film text. The authors provide many good examples of films where images of race, class and gender are portrayed in support of what the authors call the "dominant ideology". They are very critical of Hollywood, taking the film industry to task for the many ways it has irresponsibly and carelessly used its power in film as well as the way it treated actors and employees.

    However, this isn't a particularly enjoyable book to read. The book is from the viewpoint of the authors and few references cited as external support. There's a seemingly endless supply of example films, but no discussion with actual directors, writers or actors. What is *their* opinion and experiences? You know, the people who worked for these bloodsucking, sexist, racist and abusive studios? Furthermore, while I don't have a problem with using Sigmund Freud's work in either a crediting or discrediting role (the book does both), I would much rather see analysis from contemporary researchers and professionals. Citing Freud when applicable to films or views in his time is appropriate; citing him for a modern or clinical definition of fetishization seems inappropriate considering Freud's reputation for being occasionally wrong, nuts, or both.

    With a little less dryness, fresher approaches and more supporting examples, this could be an outstanding work. As it stands right now, it's more like a highly polished version of someone's thesis.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2016
    This books offers a terrific overview of the representation of race, gender, sexuality, and class in Hollywood films. Useful and accessible for anyone who wants to learn more about how to "read" film with a more critical eye.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2011
    Books like this one are actually more divisive than corrective in terms of addressing social problems. As another reviewer stated, according to this book, EVERYTHING is racist, offensive and discriminatory. While it does contain some valid assessments and historical information regarding prejudices and stereotyping in Hollywood over the years, it is largely flawed by an almost completely paranoid view of the film industry and the apparent desire to brand everything as socially-insensitive.

    This book ultimately is a waste of time, ink, and paper, although it's not without its comedic value. Some of its "reading way too far into it and desperately grasping for what's not really there" analyses are worth reading for the unintentionally-humorous, borderline-conspiracy-theorist content.

    Simply put, this book is the work of two authors who have nothing useful to say or contribute to society. As a result of this (and as noted by yet another reviewer), the authors are just looking to appear more knowledgeable and informed than you are by branding everything as racially- and ethnically-offensive and insensitive.
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2013
    Book products are the best because they give you knowledge, so with that said i love this product. Especially the fact that delivery is instant because its a kindle edition. Thank You.

Top reviews from other countries

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  • F. Jacobs
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 5, 2014
    Very useful. Opened it most days while studying my film course it helped me a lot.
  • Jojo53
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ottimo acquisto
    Reviewed in Italy on March 28, 2013
    Ottimo acquisto, l'ordine è arrivato nel tempo previsto, il libro era in ottime condizioni. E' molto utile se si è interessati a questi argomenti, espone bene gli argomenti e mette molto bene in evidenza la diversa visione degli americani riguardo certi temi.