A lively and provocative account of the arts in Britain; Building Jerusalem suggests that even after fifty years of state planning of Britains "leisure industries" the country is nevertheless approaching the millennium in a state of cultural confusion. Drawing on a wealth of historical material from Scotland; Wales; and English provincial towns; as well as the more familiar London story; Pick and Anderton contend that the original meaning of cultural language has been distorted by the fashionable phrase-making of modern government agencies; and by the inaccurate and misleading view of cultural history that is constantly presented to the public.The authors unfold fascinating stories of Britains cultural past; before state support of the arts. They vividly relate the great changes wrought by the industrial revolution and by the development of the twentieth century media and describe the long history of Church and Royal support for the arts; as well as the long periods when all of the arts
#2625670 in eBooks 2013-12-30 2013-12-30File Name: B00GWIDTWU
Review
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Leslie OsborneMy hubby loved the book!3 of 4 people found the following review helpful. For the fan or the film historianBy EarlThis intriguing book devotes a chapter to each of De Palmas films. Each chapter does a splendid job of contextualizing that film in cinematic history; De Palmas personal life and the current events of the time.For a fan of his films this book offers many insights and draws many conclusions which; whether one agrees or not; gives the reader a new perspective on each film. It has motivated me to return to some of these works and watch with a new eye.For film history buffs the issues and controversies surrounding each film (and De Palma in general) are addressed. To what degree did he copy or mimic his influences (Hitchcock and Godard primarily)?Ultimately what this book does is present Brian De Palma as a "personal filmmaker" in that he seems to use his work to work through; or at least analyze; his own lifes experiences. To this end I believe the work is a success; though I am hesitant to accept every possible connection the author makes.Reviewed from an ARC made available by the publisher via NetGalley.0 of 17 people found the following review helpful. A truly awful chapter on Mission Impossible. I did ...By ICQ-TeleA truly awful chapter on Mission Impossible. I did not read any other chapters. The author managed to miss most of the internal references and complexities that Towne wove into the script. It should be analysed from Townes writing; not from De Palmas weak directing of the film.
