Helen of Troy in Hollywood

The book "Helen of Troy in Hollywood" explores how the mythic Helen has been portrayed in film and television, highlighting the dangers of transcendent beauty and transgressive erotic agency. It provides close readings of such works as Wolfgang Petersen's "Troy" and the "Star Trek" episode "Elaan of Troyius" and demonstrates how ancient myths can be used to view our own artistic, cultural, and political moment.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Princeton University Press

<{URL}>
Introduction:
The figure of Helen of Troy has captivated audiences for centuries, transcending time and culture. From ancient Greek mythology to modern-day Hollywood, she has been portrayed as a legendary woman who embodies the threat of transcendent beauty and the complexities of gender and femininity. In this essay, we will explore the portrayal of Helen in film and television, examining how storytellers from different Hollywood eras have used her to grapple with the problems and dynamics of gender and idealized femininity.
The Mythic Helen:
Helen of Troy is a legendary figure who is often depicted as a beautiful and seductive woman who caused the Trojan War. She is known for her beauty, intelligence, and cunning, and her story has been retold countless times in literature, art, and film. In Hollywood, Helen has been portrayed in various ways, from the hero of epic films like Wolfgang Petersen's Troy to a peripheral character in male-dominated adventures.
Hollywood Eras:
Hollywood has a long history of portraying Helen of Troy, and her image has evolved over time. In the silent era, she was often portrayed as a damsel in distress, waiting to be rescued by her male counterparts. In the Golden Age of Hollywood, she was depicted as a strong and independent woman who could rival the male heroes. In the modern era, she has been portrayed as a complex and multifaceted character who challenges traditional gender roles.
Portrayals by Actors:
The portrayal of Helen by actors has played a significant role in shaping how she is perceived by audiences. Ruby Blondell, a leading classicist, has written a book titled Helen of Troy in Hollywood, which examines the portrayal of Helen by actors in film and television. Blondell provides close readings of such works as Wolfgang Petersen's Troy and the Star Trek episode "Elaan of Troyius," going beyond contextualization to lead the reader through a fundamental rethinking of how we understand and interpret the classic tradition.
Reinterpretation of the Classic Tradition:
Blondell's book goes beyond contextualization, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tradition. She argues that the myth of Helen has become symbolic of the perceived dangers of superhuman beauty and transgressive erotic agency. By examining how the image of Helen is embodied by the actors who have portrayed her, Blondell challenges the reader to think critically about the role of gender and femininity in the classic tradition.
Conclusion:
The portrayal of Helen of Troy in film and television has been a rich and complex phenomenon, reflecting the changing attitudes towards gender and femininity over time. Through close readings of such works as Wolfgang Petersen's Troy and the Star Trek episode "Elaan of Troyius," Ruby Blondell's book Helen of Troy in Hollywood offers a fresh perspective on the classic tradition, challenging the reader to think critically about the role of gender and femininity in the classic tradition. Whether as the hero of these screen adaptations or as a peripheral character in male-dominated adventures, the mythic Helen has become symbolic of the perceived dangers of superhuman beauty and transgressive erotic agency.

Dimension: 235 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780691229621