Description
Book SynopsisUses a discussion of contemporary films and literary works to present an understanding of paranoia as a defining element in postmodern late-capitalist structure. This book is of interest to students and scholars of American literature and cultural studies, postmodern theory, and film studies.
Trade Review“
Latent Destinies provides a smartly informed paradigm for understanding postmodern U.S. narratives, both aesthetic and theoretical. Examining a representative sample of these, O’Donnell finds that they indulge a cultural paranoia that wags the tail of their late-capitalist
bête noire.”—Louis A. Renza, Dartmouth College
“Latent Destinies provides a careful, lucid, insightful analysis of a number of works of contemporary American authors and filmmakers, and situates their work within a complex theoretical matrix of social connections that enhance our understanding not only of the works under discussion but also of the conditions of contemporary American culture in which those works circulate.”—Alan Nadel, author of
Containment Culture: American Narratives, Postmodernism and the Atomic AgeTable of ContentsPreface
Entry: The Time of Paranoia
1. Postmodernity and the Symptom of Paranoia
The Sympton of Paranoia
Paranoia and History: Latent Destiny
Postmodern Temporalities
2. Headshots: The Theater of Paranoia
Branch-Work:
Libra
Stone’s Oedipus: JFK
Performing Character: Oswald’s Tale
3. Engendering Paranoia
The Point of the Cry: The Crying of Lot 49
The Umbra of Difference: The Shadow Knows
Exposing Paranoia: Empire of the Senseless
4. Criminality and Paranoia
The Voice of Paranoia: The Executioner’s Song
The Cultural Logic of Paranoia: The Killer Inside Me
Men in Black: Reservoir Dogs
Exit: Under History: Underworld
Notes
Bibliography
