The decade from 2000 to 2009 is framed; at one end; by the traumatic catastrophe of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and; at the other; by the election of the first African American president of the United States. In between; the United States and the world witnessed the rapid expansion of new media and the Internet; such natural disasters as Hurricane Katrina; political uprisings around the world; and a massive meltdown of world economies.Amid these crises and revolutions; American films responded in multiple ways; sometimes directly reflecting these turbulent times; and sometimes indirectly couching history in traditional genres and stories. In American Cinema of the 2000s; essays from ten top film scholars examine such popular series as the groundbreaking Matrix films and the gripping adventures of former CIA covert operative Jason Bourne; new; offbeat films like Juno; and the resurgence of documentaries like Michael Moorersquo;s Fahrenheit 9/11. Each essay demonstrates the complex ways in which American culture and American cinema are bound together in subtle and challenging ways.
#2607553 in eBooks 2012-04-15 2012-04-10File Name: B00ABEW29M
Review
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful. Essential for any 4AD fan.By Trond BergerBeing a loyal Cocteau Twins; Dead Can Dance and Pixies fan since my teens this book is like a dream come true. It gives you the whole story of the label in great detail - down to every release - and it made me discover a lot of new stuff that I had not heard before; since just about every record mentioned here is available on Spotify; at least from where I live anyway (Norway). The author does a fantastic job at getting under the skin of the key characters of the 4AD family; especially the enigmatic label boss Ivo Watts-Russell. The book is an enjoyably light read and if youre a fan youll find yourself flying through the pages. Recommended!2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Got a bit dull after awhileBy peppergomezLots of rapturous reviews for this book. I applaud how well researched it is; and the writing wasnt bad at all. But it was kind of; well; boring; after awhile. I was a big fan of 4ADs bands in the mid-80s; but maybe I am not a big enough believer in the cult personality to find Ivos story all that interesting. A good chunk of the book is devoted the his mental state; and the ebb and flow; along with details of the labels finances. I guess how could it be otherwise; so maybe its just my own reaction and no one elses that found that a bit dull. So be it.5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. The Mystique UnveiledBy David d.My first exposure to 4AD was dancing to Stranger by Clan of Xymox in 1985. I then bought the album and became enthralled by the enigmatic sleeve design-many a puffs were taken to try and figure that one out. Soon afterwards I heard Elizabeths voice sing "Lorelei" and I was hooked. Nonetheless; Im not a creative-type person-just an average Joe-so there is so much I didnt "get" or fully appreciate about the world of 4AD. Reading Facing the Other Way not only took me on a complete journey through the story but also opened my minds eye to the other otherness of it all. I am now able to enjoy my 4AD collection at a whole new level and have massively expanded it. Thanks Martin for the wonderful journey!