Through intimate encounters with the life and work of five contemporary gay male directors; this book develops a framework for interpreting what it means to make a gay film or adopt a gay point of view. For most of the twentieth century; gay characters and gay themes were both underrepresented and misrepresented in mainstream cinema. Since the 1970s; however; a new generation of openly gay directors has turned the closet inside out; bringing a new and poignant immediacy to modern cinema and popular culture.Combining his experienced critique with in-depth interviews conducted with each director; Emanuel Levy draws a clear timeline of gay filmmaking over the past four decades and its particular influences and innovations. While recognizing the "queering" of American culture that resulted from these films; Levy also takes stock of the ensuing conservative backlash and its impact on cinematic art; a trend that continues alongside the growing acceptance of homosexuality. He compares the similarities and differences between the "North American" attitudes of Todd Haynes; Gus Van Sant; and John Waters and the "European" perspectives of Pedro Almodoacute;var and Terence Davies; developing a truly comprehensive; up-to-date approach to gay filmmaking in particular and auteur cinema in general.
2015-04-10 2015-04-10File Name: B00VX8XD8O
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Thank you for a truly wonderful telling of the life and struggles of this great ...By CBDThank you for a truly wonderful telling of the life and struggles of this great musical master. Since being introduced to the works of Beethoven through public radio programming at the age of five; I have felt a kindred love for Ludwig van Beethoven; the person. Listening to his music throughout my life has always given me a sense of the man openly revealing himself - heart and spirit. The more I learn about him; the more I appreciate his legacy. And this book by Barry Cooper is a super read; a treasure source for friends of Beethoven. Respectfully sharing about experiences; characters; and events of his time; while also providing an interesting yet detailed look into the virtuosorsquo;s major; and some minor works. While devouring this entire book I was especially grateful to notice no attempts to tare down or defame the man. Well done! Reading this work was for me; like a visit with a dear friend. Thanks again.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. This is an excellent book that is held back from greatness only by ...By novoportuThis is an excellent book that is held back from greatness only by the authors absurdly defensive advocacy for his subject. Not quite hagiography; but most certainly apologetic. My recommendation is to get this book; knowing its limitations; alongside another that is unafraid to acknowledge the composers darker side(s)- Suchets Beethoven: The Man Revealed; for example.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The more you know about music; the more youll like this book.By PozdravyThis book deals with Beethovens life and works. Cooper spends considerable time discussing what Beethoven worked on and when. He also gives. short; intriguing analyses of many works. The non musician may find these hard to understand because they are rather technical. (e.g. The second movement of the Emperor Concerto is really in C-flat major but notated in B major.) However; as a musician; I found his comments stimulating and found myself consulting the scores repeatedly while reading the book. This has made my reading very slow. I am still at the late quartets and am eager to read his analyses of them because I know them quite well. Even if you do not understand music theory; this is a valuable bio of one the great musical minds of all time.
