In 2009, Avatar, a 3-D movie directed by James Cameron, became the most successful motion picture of all time, a technological breakthrough that has grossed more than $2.
Initially regarded as a cult figure with a strong following amongst sci-fi and horror film fans, Canadian filmmaker David Cronenberg emerged as a major and commercially viable film director with mainstream hits such as A History of Violence (2005) and Eastern Promises (2007).
This story of a silent-film star's rise and fall offers "e;a lesson about those heady days of early Hollywood and the transience of fame"e; (Library Journal).
From his cult classic television series Twin Peaks to his most recent film Inland Empire (2006), David Lynch is best known for his unorthodox narrative style.
Belligerent and evasive, Josef von Sternberg chose to ignore his illegitimate birth in Austria, deprived New York childhood, abusive father, and lack of education.
Over his twenty-plus year tenure in Hollywood, Spike Lee has produced a number of controversial films that unapologetically confront sensitive social issues, particularly those of race relations and discrimination.
"e;This passionate, carefully researched, richly detailed, well-written study"e; reveals the political motives behind WWII Hollywood's portrayal of Poles (Choice).
The first full-length biography of the actor known for his roles in The Invisible Man, Casablanca, and other classics, based on newly released interviews.
A "e;wide-ranging and sophisticated anthology"e; comparing theaters of war to wars in the movie theater (Dennis Showalter, author of Patton and Rommel).
Some of the most beloved characters in film and television inhabit two-dimensional worlds that spring from the fertile imaginations of talented animators.
A look at the wide-ranging work of the Golden Age genius who made The Ten Commandments and other blockbusters-and helped found the American film industry.
Two-time Academy Award winner Sir David Lean (19081991) was one of the most prominent directors of the twentieth century, responsible for the classics The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), and Doctor Zhivago (1965).
"e;An engrossing new page turner"e; about one of old Hollywood's royal families: "e;theater people don't get more interesting, and it's a true tale well told"e; (Hollywood Reporter).
From action flicks to biopics to SNL skits, how presidents are portrayed on screen: "e;An interesting study of the real presidency and the reel presidency.
Offering both in-depth analyses of specific films and overviews of the industry's output, Hollywood's Indian provides insightful characterizations of the depiction of the Native Americans in film.
As part of its effort to expose Communist infiltration in the United States and eliminate Communist influence on movies, from 19471953 the House Committee on Un-American Activities subpoenaed hundreds of movie industry employees suspected of membership in the Communist Party.
Often typecast as a menacing figure, Peter Lorre achieved Hollywood fame first as a featured player and later as a character actor, trademarking his screen performances with a delicately strung balance between good and evil.
The film industry and mainstream popular culture are notorious for promoting stereotypical images of Native Americans: the noble and ignoble savage, the pronoun-challenged sidekick, the ruthless warrior, the female drudge, the princess, the sexualized maiden, the drunk, and others.
