Book

Blockbusters and the ancient world : allegory and warfare in contemporary Hollywood

Davies, Chris (Christopher Owen Graham), author

Overview

\"Following the release of Ridley Scott's Gladiator in 2000 the ancient world epic has experienced a revival in studio and audience interest. Building on existing scholarship on the Cold War epics of the 1950s-60s, including Ben-Hur, Spartacus and The Robe, this original study explores the current cycle of ancient world epics in cinema within the social and political climate created by September 11th 2001. Examining films produced against the backdrop of the War on Terror and subsequent invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, this book assesses the relationship between mainstream cinema and American society through depictions of the ancient world, conflict and faith. Davies explores how these films evoke depictions of WWII, the Vietnam War and the Western in portraying warfare in the ancient world, as well discussing the influence of genre hybridisation, narration and reception theory. He questions the extent to which ancient world epics utilise allegory, analogy and allusion to parallel past and present in an industry often dictated by market forces. Featuring analysis of Alexander, Troy, 300, Centurion, The Eagle, The Passion of the Christ and more, this book offers new insight on the continued evolution of the ancient world epic in cinema\"-- Provided by publisher.

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Subject: Epic films United States History and criticism. / Historical films United States History and criticism. / War films United States History and criticism. / History, Ancient, in motion pictures. / September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001 Influence. / War on Terrorism, 2001-2009 Influence. / Motion pictures Social aspects United States.
• ISBN: 9781788313117, 1788313119

Item info:

1 item available

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Holdings :

Call Number	Copies	Material	Location
PN1995.9.E79 D38 2019	1	BOOK	AUTOSTORE