Celluloid Mischief: Deviance and Crime on the Silver Screen

Celluloid Mischief explores how films reflect society's values and norms, revealing real-life norms, violations, and efforts to punish and control offenders. It demonstrates the complex and evolving nature of modern America's social, economic, and political values using postwar and contemporary Hollywood cinema as case studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Celluloid Mischief delves into the portrayal of wrongdoing and "deviant" behavior in film, highlighting the fact that films are material products of both individual and collective imagination. They reflect the values and norms of the society that produce them, allowing us to understand how society understands and classifies particular kinds of behavior. The concept of "wrongdoing" in movies provides insights into real-life norms, the violation of those norms, and the efforts to punish and control the perpetrators of those violators.

Motion pictures, as a form of visual media, possess immense power to convey information about the social world. They constitute a universe of raw particulars that await excavation and analysis. By applying the appropriate approach, we can gain valuable insights into society and culture. Films, being commercial products, are created by individuals who are members of a society, influenced by that society, and who strive to appeal to a wide range of members by producing content that resonates with their desires.

A society's films can reveal a great deal about its taste and preferences, providing a window into the values and beliefs of its members. By examining postwar and contemporary Hollywood cinema as case studies, Celluloid Mischief demonstrates the complex and evolving nature of modern America's social, economic, and political values.

Through a comprehensive analysis of film narratives, themes, and symbols, the book explores how films shape public perception, influence social norms, and reflect the changing dynamics of society. It sheds light on the ways in which films promote or challenge societal values, and how they contribute to the construction of social identities.

Celluloid Mischief also examines the role of film in shaping cultural identity and the representation of marginalized communities. It explores how films perpetuate stereotypes, marginalize certain groups, and reinforce dominant narratives, and how they can be used as tools for social change and empowerment.

In conclusion, Celluloid Mischief is a valuable contribution to the field of film studies, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the portrayal of wrongdoing and "deviant" behavior in film. By examining the complex relationship between film and society, the book provides valuable insights into the ways in which films shape our understanding of the world and contribute to the construction of social identities.

Weight: 770g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032341392