American Jewish Filmmakers

by Desser, David

• ISBN13: 9780252071539
• ISBN10: 0252071530
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-12-01
• Publisher: Univ of Illinois Pr

Summary

Woody Allen, Mel Brooks, Sidney Lumet, and Paul Mazursky, all sons of East European Jews, remain among the most prominent contemporary American film directors. In this revised, updated second edition of American Jewish Filmmakers, David Desser and Lester D. Friedman demonstrate how the Jewish experience gives rise to an intimately linked series of issues in the films of these and other significant Jewish directors.The effects of the Holocaust linger, both in gripping dramatic form (Mazursky's Enemies, a Love Story) and in black comedy (Brooks's The Producers). In his trilogy consisting of Serpico, Prince of the City, and Q & A, Lumet focuses on the failure of society's institutions to deliver social justice. Woody Allen portrays urban life and family relationships (Manhattan and Hannah and Her Sisters), sometimes with a nostalgic twist (Radio Days).This edition concludes with a newly written discussion of the careers of other prominent Jewish filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, Barry Levinson, Brian Singer, and Darren Aronofsky.

Author Biography

Lester D. Friedman is a member of the Department of Radio/Television/Film at Northwestern University.

Table of Contents

Preface to the Second Edition
Traditions of American Jewish Art	p. 1
Woody Allen: The Schlemiel as Modern Philosopher	p. 34
Mel Brooks: "Farts Will Be Heard"	p. 113
Sidney Lumet: The Memory of Guilt	p. 169
Paul Mazursky: The Price of Freedom	p. 232
Too Much at Home in America?	p. 287
Filmography	p. 321
References Cited	p. 325
Index	p. 333
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.