The Cinema of John Sayles: Lone Star

by Bould, Mark

• ISBN13: 9781905674282
• ISBN10: 1905674287
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-03-15
• Publisher: Columbia Univ Pr

Summary

John Sayles is an inspiration to independent filmmakers in America and beyond, both for his engaged political filmmaking and as living proof that directors can survive and thrive without the need for mainstream financing. His 1980s films were the counter-punch to the special effects and blockbuster aesthetics of the Star Wars and Spielberg era, and this volume closely follows his career with analysis of all of his directed works. Through discussion of films such as Return of the Secaucus 7 (1980), The Brother from Another Planet (1984), Matewan (1987) and Sunshine State (2003), this study uncovers themes of racial and sexual otherness, capitalist excess and the erosion of community in his work. With new distribution channels now enabling independent cinema to reach a wider audience than ever before, this timely volume will be of interest to left-wing thinkers, guerrilla filmmakers and all aficionados of independent film.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	p. vii
Planting Seeds: Some Contexts	p. 1
Part of the Machine: the Piranha, Alligator, The Howling and The Lady in Red Screenplays	p. 30
Nothing to Lose But Chains: Return of the Secaucus Seven, Lianna, Baby It's You and The Brother from Another Planet	p. 50
It's a Free Country: Matewan, Eight Men Out, City of Hope and Passion Fish	p. 86
Telling Stories: The Secret of Roan Inish, Lone Star, Men with Gunsl Hombres armados and Limbo	p. 122
Living the Dream: Sunshine State, Casa de los Babys and Silver City	p. 159
Notes	p. 181
Filmography	p. 190
Bibliography	p. 195
Index	p. 203
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.