Widely recognized in his character of the Tramp; Charlie Chaplin transcended the role of actor to become screenwriter; director; composer; producer; and finally studio head. The subject of numerous biographical studies; Chaplin has been examined as both myth and man; but these treatments fail to adequately address the often-overlooked complexity of his filmmaking.Refocusing Chaplin: A Screen Icon through Critical Lenses features essays that examine the actor and director through various theoretical perspectivesmdash;including Marxism; feminism; gender studies; deconstruction; psychoanalytic criticism; new historicism; performance studies; and cultural criticism. Complementing this range of intellectual inquiry is the wide reach of films discussed; from The Circus (1928); The Gold Rush (1925); and City Lights (1931) to Modern Times (1936); The Great Dictator (1940); Monsieur Verdoux (1947); and Limelight (1952). Shorter films; such as ldquo;The Pawnshoprdquo; (1916); ldquo;The Rinkrdquo; (1916); and ldquo;A Dogrsquo;s Liferdquo; (1918) are also examined. These essays analyze the tensions between the carefully constructed worlds of Chaplinrsquo;s films and their cultural contexts. The varied approaches and range of materials in this volume not only comprehensively assess the screen icon but also foster a conversation that exemplifies the best of intellectual exchange. Refocusing Chaplin provides a unique view into the work of one of cinemarsquo;s most important and influential artists.
#1463929 in eBooks 2013-10-08 2013-10-08File Name: B00FQGQDUY
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Farscape was the best sci fi show ever (well; as of the year 2013) and this book will (rightfully) tell you so...By book lover(4.25 stars) This book has 21 essays. I have read the first four to date and they have all been unashamedly pro Farscape. Critical analysis? Nary a sign of it. The back of the book should have contained a photo of the writers dressed as cheerleaders; jumping in the air and yelling "Go Farscape!" Well; this is my observation after the first four chapters. Oddly; I kind of like it. So why the 3.5 stars? Well; its just a bunch of writers spanking the monkey to their favorite (?) Sci Fi show. As a dedicated fan still suffering from Farscapes cancellation (some ten years now); I can fully relate. But I was hoping for something a little deeper than a book of essays that basically amounts to fan appreciation (no matter how much l like to read it on a personal level). Of course; there are 17 more essays to go; so there is still hope.November 21; 2013:Originally I rated this book 3.5 stars. I am now about finished and rate it 4.25 stars (I thought there were a lot of fun; interesting and informative essays). Overall; this is a better effort than the new Farscape book called The Worlds of Farscape which is filled with a lot of techno babble. Some readers may do well with it; but I wasnt one of them. Maybe a second reading will improve it; but I dont have the time right now. As for this book; Farscape Forever; overall it was an enjoyable read and helped pass the time during my commute. Recommended to Farscape fans (warning: it contains some spoilers so read it after you have watched the entire series).2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. If you love Farscape...By Michael ValdivielsoThis is the book for you. Chapters on the science; plots; characters and humor of Farscape. And praise for the show; in the way it explores subjects; deals with issues and allows its characters the freedom to decide where they will go and what they will want. Plus chapters on traveling in the Uncharted Territories; how to design your own Moya; and why crackers dont really matter.The only fan who should not read this book are those of you who have not finished watching all the episodes; because there are spoilers. Lots of spoilers.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. MehBy OracleI was hoping for more being a huge Farscape fan. There are a couple of pretty good parts and a few not even worth reading. The Travel Guide through the uncharted territories was pretty funny. I bought this one used for really cheap and I would recommend you do the same if you want to read it. Or get it from the library.