Generations of Jewish Directors and the Struggle for America's Soul: Wyler, Lumet, and Spielberg

Three renowned American Jewish directors, William Wyler, Sidney Lumet, and Steven Spielberg, have carried on a legacy of Jewish writers, artists, and leaders who promote the ethical foundations of the American Idea and Creed. Their films challenge America to become more inclusive and modernize the American Idea, aiming to create a liberal democratic culture for all. They emphasize the ethical responsibility for others as a basis for the American soul and a source of strength for American liberal democracy. The book explores their social vision, dramatization of social and ethical conscience, and movement toward American redemption and renewal, advocating a "New Covenant" for change and renewal in the American experience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 13 August 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Three exceptional American Jewish directors, William Wyler, Sidney Lumet, and Steven Spielberg, have carried forward a legacy of Jewish writers, artists, and leaders who propagate the ethical foundations of the American Idea and Creed. Their unwavering commitment is to revitalize the American spirit by insisting that America must uphold its values and ideals. These directors emphasize the ethical responsibility towards others as the cornerstone of the American soul and a catalyst for strengthening American liberal democracy. In the spirit of a jeremiad, their films challenge America to cultivate a liberal democratic culture for all by becoming more inclusive and modernizing the American Idea.

The book begins with an introductory chapter that establishes connections between modern ethical thought and the quest for America's soul. It then proceeds into three distinct sections. The Wyler section delves into the director's social vision of a changing America, highlighting his insights into the evolving landscape of the nation. The Lumet section explores the dramatization of Lumet's dynamic and assertive social and ethical conscience through his films. The Spielberg section traces the evolution of Spielberg's films as a movement toward American redemption and renewal, aspiring to fulfill Lincoln's vision of America as the hope of the world.

Among these directors, and many others, they perpetuate a "New Covenant" that advocates for change and renewal in the American experience. Their contributions have left an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape, shaping the way we perceive and understand the American story. Through their visionary works, they have inspired generations to embrace the ethical principles that define the American Dream and strive towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Weight: 379g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030760335
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021