Description
Book SynopsisHollywood Speaks Out explores that rare Hollywood feature that dared to tackle red-hot, social issues whilst American society was gripped by the convulsion and controversy they generated.
- Explores why Hollywood has always been risk-adverse, and how most feature flms deal with controversial issues long after the controversy is past
- Organized around such important issues as poverty, racism, sexism, war, anti-Semitism, and homophobia
- Discusses the relevance and the impact of feature films from Modern Times to WALL-E
Table of ContentsList of Figures ix
Foreword x
Introduction 1
1 Overview 8
But who will come to see it?
2 War 26
Hell for whom?
3 Anti-Semitism 49
Some of my best friends . . .
4 Prison and Justice Systems 63
Not separate but unequal
5 Labor–Management 82
Whose side are you on?
6 Poverty 102
Anyone can play
7 Racism 124
Recipe for superiority
8 Politics 152
The good and the bad
9 Homophobia 183
Who’s a bigot?
10 Technology 205
Can we beat the machine?
11 Sexism 219
Protecting old boys’ egos
12 Hide or Seek 234
Other genres: Will Hollywood shut up or speak up?
Selected Readings 248
Index 250
