1st Edition
by Deborah Cartmell (Editor), Ashley D. Polasek (Editor)
The most comprehensive reference text of theoretical and historical discourse on the biopic film
The
biopic, often viewed as the most reviled of all film genres, traces its
origins to the early silent era over a century ago. Receiving little
critical attention, biopics are regularly dismissed as superficial,
formulaic, and disrespectful of history. Film critics, literary scholars
and historians tend to believe that biopics should be artistic, yet
accurate, true-to-life representations of their subjects. Moviegoing
audiences, however, do not seem to hold similar views; biopics continue
to be popular, commercially viable films. Even the genre’s most ardent
detractors will admit that these films are often very watchable,
particularly due to the performance of the lead actor. It is
increasingly common for stars of biographical films to garner critical
praise and awards, driving a growing interest in scholarship in the
genre.
A Companion to the Biopic is the first global and
authoritative reference on the subject. Offering theoretical,
historical, thematic, and performance-based approaches, this unique
volume brings together the work of top scholars to discuss the coverage
of the lives of authors, politicians, royalty, criminals, and pop stars
through the biopic film. Chapters explore evolving attitudes and
divergent perspectives on the genre with topics such as the connections
between biopics and literary melodramas, the influence financial
concerns have on aesthetic, social, or moral principles, the merger of
historical narratives with Hollywood biographies, stereotypes and
criticisms of the biopic genre, and more. This volume:
- Provides
a systematic, in-depth analysis of the biopic and considers how the
choice of historical subject reflects contemporary issues
- Places emphasis on films that portray race and gender issues
- Explores
the uneven boundaries of the genre by addressing what is and is not a
biopic as well as the ways in which films simultaneously embrace and
defy historical authenticity
- Examines the distinction between reality and ‘the real’ in biographical films
- Offers a chronological survey of biopics from the beginning of the 20th century
A Companion to the Biopic is
a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and students of history,
film studies, and English literature, as well as those in disciplines
that examine interpretations of historical figures
