Manhood in Hollywood from Bush to Bush

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Gender Studies, Men&, Entertainment, Film, History & Criticism, Performing Arts
Cover of the book Manhood in Hollywood from Bush to Bush by David Greven, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: David Greven ISBN: 9780292779105
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: January 1, 2010
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: David Greven
ISBN: 9780292779105
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: January 1, 2010
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English

A struggle between narcissistic and masochistic modes of manhood defined Hollywood masculinity in the period between the presidencies of George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. David Greven's contention is that a profound shift in representation occurred during the early 1990s when Hollywood was transformed by an explosion of films that foregrounded non-normative gendered identity and sexualities. In the years that have followed, popular cinema has either emulated or evaded the representational strategies of this era, especially in terms of gender and sexuality.

One major focus of this study is that, in a great deal of the criticism in both the fields of film theory and queer theory, masochism has been positively cast as a form of male sexuality that resists the structures of normative power, while narcissism has been negatively cast as either a regressive sexuality or the bastion of white male privilege. Greven argues that narcissism is a potentially radical mode of male sexuality that can defy normative codes and categories of gender, whereas masochism, far from being radical, has emerged as the default mode of a traditional normative masculinity. This study combines approaches from a variety of disciplines—psychoanalysis, queer theory, American studies, men's studies, and film theory—as it offers fresh readings of several important films of the past twenty years, including Casualties of War, The Silence of the Lambs, Fight Club, The Passion of the Christ, Auto Focus, and Brokeback Mountain.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A struggle between narcissistic and masochistic modes of manhood defined Hollywood masculinity in the period between the presidencies of George H. W. Bush and George W. Bush. David Greven's contention is that a profound shift in representation occurred during the early 1990s when Hollywood was transformed by an explosion of films that foregrounded non-normative gendered identity and sexualities. In the years that have followed, popular cinema has either emulated or evaded the representational strategies of this era, especially in terms of gender and sexuality.

One major focus of this study is that, in a great deal of the criticism in both the fields of film theory and queer theory, masochism has been positively cast as a form of male sexuality that resists the structures of normative power, while narcissism has been negatively cast as either a regressive sexuality or the bastion of white male privilege. Greven argues that narcissism is a potentially radical mode of male sexuality that can defy normative codes and categories of gender, whereas masochism, far from being radical, has emerged as the default mode of a traditional normative masculinity. This study combines approaches from a variety of disciplines—psychoanalysis, queer theory, American studies, men's studies, and film theory—as it offers fresh readings of several important films of the past twenty years, including Casualties of War, The Silence of the Lambs, Fight Club, The Passion of the Christ, Auto Focus, and Brokeback Mountain.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book Masters of Contemporary Brazilian Song by David Greven
Cover of the book Spanish American Poetry at the End of the Twentieth Century by David Greven
Cover of the book Dangerous Gifts by David Greven
Cover of the book A Reader in Latina Feminist Theology by David Greven
Cover of the book Cinema and Social Change in Latin America by David Greven
Cover of the book Harry Huntt Ransom by David Greven
Cover of the book Environmental Studies of a Marine Ecosystem by David Greven
Cover of the book A World Outside by David Greven
Cover of the book Secession and the Union in Texas by David Greven
Cover of the book Bedouin Life in the Egyptian Wilderness by David Greven
Cover of the book Bob Bullock by David Greven
Cover of the book This Land Was Mexican Once by David Greven
Cover of the book A Sniper in the Tower: The Charles Whitman Murders by David Greven
Cover of the book Showing Off by David Greven
Cover of the book A Route 66 Companion by David Greven
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy