Acting for America
288 pages, 6 1/8 x 9 1/4
59 illustrations. 59 photographs
Paperback
Release Date:17 May 2010
ISBN:9780813547602
Acting for America
Movie Stars of the 1980s
Edited by Robert Eberwein; Introduction by Robert Eberwein
Rutgers University Press
A captivating cast of 1980s power and talent--John Candy, Tom Cruise, Robert DeNiro, Clint Eastwood, Sally Field, Harrison Ford, Michael J. Fox, Mel Gibson, Goldie Hawn, Jessica Lange, Steve Martin, Eddie Murphy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sissy Spacek, Sylvester Stallone, Meryl Streep, Sigourney Weaver, Bruce Willis, and the "Brat Pack"—stars in the drama of this decade. Acting for America focuses on the way these film icons have engaged in and defined some major issues of cultural and social concern to America during the 1980s.
Scholars employing a variety of useful approaches explore how these movie stars' films speak to an increased audience awareness of advances in feminism, new ideas about masculinity, and the complex political atmosphere in the Age of Reagan. The essays demonstrate the range of these stars' contributions to such conversations in a variety of films, including blockbusters and major genres.
Scholars employing a variety of useful approaches explore how these movie stars' films speak to an increased audience awareness of advances in feminism, new ideas about masculinity, and the complex political atmosphere in the Age of Reagan. The essays demonstrate the range of these stars' contributions to such conversations in a variety of films, including blockbusters and major genres.
ROBERT EBERWEIN is distinguished professor of English emeritus at Oakland University. He is the author of Armed Forces: Masculinity and Sexuality in the American War Film; The War Film; Sex ED: Film, Video, and the Framework of Desire (all Rutgers University Press), and The Hollywood War Film.
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Stardom in the 1980s
1. Robert De Niro: Star as Actor Auteur
2. Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger: Androgynous Macho Men
3. Jessica Lange and Sissy Spacek: Country Girls
4. Mel Gibson and Tom Cruise: Rebellion and Conformity
5. Michael J. Fox and the Brat Pack: Contrasting Identities
6. Eddie Murphy: The Rise and Fall of the Golden Child
7. Sigourney Weaver: Woman Warrior, Working Girl
8. Harrison Ford: A Well-Tempered Machismo
9. Sally Field and Goldie Hawn: Feminism, Post-Feminism, and Cactus Flower Politics
10. Meryl Streep: Feminism and Femininity in the Era of the Backlash
11. Clint Eastwood and Bruce Willis: Enforcers Left and Right
12. Steve Martin and John Candy: Penny Wise and Pound Foolish
In the Wings
Works Cited
Contributors
Index
Introduction: Stardom in the 1980s
1. Robert De Niro: Star as Actor Auteur
2. Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger: Androgynous Macho Men
3. Jessica Lange and Sissy Spacek: Country Girls
4. Mel Gibson and Tom Cruise: Rebellion and Conformity
5. Michael J. Fox and the Brat Pack: Contrasting Identities
6. Eddie Murphy: The Rise and Fall of the Golden Child
7. Sigourney Weaver: Woman Warrior, Working Girl
8. Harrison Ford: A Well-Tempered Machismo
9. Sally Field and Goldie Hawn: Feminism, Post-Feminism, and Cactus Flower Politics
10. Meryl Streep: Feminism and Femininity in the Era of the Backlash
11. Clint Eastwood and Bruce Willis: Enforcers Left and Right
12. Steve Martin and John Candy: Penny Wise and Pound Foolish
In the Wings
Works Cited
Contributors
Index
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