The American Jewish Story through Cinema

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Film, History & Criticism, Performing Arts, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science
Cover of the book The American Jewish Story through Cinema by Eric A. Goldman, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Eric A. Goldman ISBN: 9780292744325
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: December 15, 2009
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: Eric A. Goldman
ISBN: 9780292744325
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: December 15, 2009
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English
Like the haggadah, the traditional “telling” of the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt that is read at the Passover seder, cinema offers a valuable text from which to gain an understanding of the social, political, and cultural realities of Jews in America. In an industry strongly influenced by Jewish filmmakers who made and continue to make the decisions as to which films are produced, the complex and evolving nature of the American Jewish condition has had considerable impact on American cinema and, in particular, on how Jews are reflected on the screen. This groundbreaking study analyzes select mainstream films from the beginning of the sound era to today to provide an understanding of the American Jewish experience over the last century.In the first half of the twentieth century, Hollywood’s movie moguls, most of whom were Jewish, shied away from asserting a Jewish image on the screen for fear that they might be too closely identified with that representation. Over the next two decades, Jewish moviemakers became more comfortable with the concept of a Jewish hero and with an overpowered, yet heroic, Israel. In time, the Holocaust assumed center stage as the single event with the greatest effect on American Jewish identity. Recently, as American Jewish screenwriters, directors, and producers have become increasingly comfortable with their heritage, we are seeing an unprecedented number of movies that spotlight Jewish protagonists, experiences, and challenges.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Like the haggadah, the traditional “telling” of the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt that is read at the Passover seder, cinema offers a valuable text from which to gain an understanding of the social, political, and cultural realities of Jews in America. In an industry strongly influenced by Jewish filmmakers who made and continue to make the decisions as to which films are produced, the complex and evolving nature of the American Jewish condition has had considerable impact on American cinema and, in particular, on how Jews are reflected on the screen. This groundbreaking study analyzes select mainstream films from the beginning of the sound era to today to provide an understanding of the American Jewish experience over the last century.In the first half of the twentieth century, Hollywood’s movie moguls, most of whom were Jewish, shied away from asserting a Jewish image on the screen for fear that they might be too closely identified with that representation. Over the next two decades, Jewish moviemakers became more comfortable with the concept of a Jewish hero and with an overpowered, yet heroic, Israel. In time, the Holocaust assumed center stage as the single event with the greatest effect on American Jewish identity. Recently, as American Jewish screenwriters, directors, and producers have become increasingly comfortable with their heritage, we are seeing an unprecedented number of movies that spotlight Jewish protagonists, experiences, and challenges.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book German Buenos Aires, 1900–1933 by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book Women Embracing Islam by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book The Port of Houston by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book Brazil and the Quiet Intervention, 1964 by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book Women Legislators in Central America by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book You May Take the Witness by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book The Surprising Design of Market Economies by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book Yaxchilan by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book The Industrialization of São Paulo, 1800-1945 by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book Conversations Across Our America by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book Women in Texas Music by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book Medicine in Mexico by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book Real Role Models by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book The Wind by Eric A. Goldman
Cover of the book The Paradise Garden Murals of Malinalco by Eric A. Goldman
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