Even as actresses become increasingly marginalized by Hollywood; French cinema is witnessing an explosion of female talentmdash;a Golden Age unlike anything the world has seen since the days of Stanwyck; Hepburn; Davis; and Garbo. In France; the joy of acting is alive and well. Scores of French actresses are doing the best work of their lives in movies tailored to their star images and unique personalities. Yet virtually no one this side of the Atlantic even knows about them. Viewers who feel shortchanged by Hollywood will be thrilled to discover The Beauty of the Real.This book showcases a range of contemporary French actresses to an audience that will know how to appreciate themmdash;an American public hungry for the exact qualities that these women represent. To spend time with them; to admire their flashing intelligence and fearless willingness to depict life as it is lived; gives us what were looking for in movies but so rarely find: insights into womanhood; meditations on the dark and light aspects of lifes journey; revelations and explorations that move viewers to reflect on their own lives. The stories they bring to the screen leave us feeling renewed and excited about movies again.Based on one-on-one interviews and the viewing of numerous films; Mick LaSalle has put together a fascinating profile of recent generations of French film stars and an overview of their best work. These womens insights and words illuminate his book; which will answer once and for all the two questions Americans most often have about women and the movies: Where did all the great actresses go? And how can I see their movies?Please click here to see a video discussing The Beauty of the Real at the Roxie Film Festival.
#552639 in eBooks 2012-10-16 2012-10-16File Name: B007WKE2PU
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good informed commentary about the history and context of images.By FredThe author is very educated and literate about the subject of images and the contexts that surrounded them. (I assume that much of what she writes is legit) I love reading the book. Very well written; she sees elements of artistic skill and references we may not even see. We are glad to have such an informative lecturer. Im on my second reading.Even so. in each commentary. Paglia consistently spins her ever-so-fine wool much too far. Her stated opinions and declarations are very perceptive all in all. But in every article. she finishes with an overblown flourish of congratulation to the artist and to herself.Paglia distracts us by basking in the bright sunshine of her own opinions.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Theres nobody like Paglia...By Passenger on the TitanicCamille Paglia is a unique voice out of the early feminist movement. She doesnt hew to the party lines (and therefore has parted ways with other giants like Steinem and Friedan). but I consider that a good thing. She is frighteningly smart. and adept at reducing a complicated pieces and the vast movements that enveloped them to their essences. (I know. thats a tortured sentence. Im not the writer she is. shoot me.) I particularly loved details like. near the end of the book. when she reveals that George Lucass inspiration for STAR WARS started with the bickering Laurel Hardy. which inspired the bickering R2D2 CP3O; the Joseph Campbell themes that wove in and out of the first and subsequent films came later. Fascinating! She said in an interview that she wrote this book for homeschooling moms. and its indeed perfect for both the kids and the parents!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. I love Camille PagliaBy Timothy J. GannonThis is a very illuminating perspective on the worlds great art works. It gives context and understanding usually missing from art critics. Dr. Paglia illuminines and builds up the Western perspective. I admire her dedication to truth in spite of the political correctness pressures running against her. The only downside is the Kindle edition which I use. I cannot fliip back and forth between the picture and the text. Also the text enlarging feature does not work on Kindle for PC. THe paper book is superior for the ease of access but the kindle version is a pleasure to read.
