Italian Americans in Film: Establishing and Challenging Italian American Identities

This book explores how Italian Americans have been portrayed in cinema, from the 1890s to the present, challenging stereotypes and exploring a more nuanced identity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 283 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate portrayal of Italian Americans in cinema,spanning a century of representation. From the early 1890s when Italian migration was first depicted in New Orleans (Vendetta) to the transition of first- to second-generation immigrants (Ask the Dust), and from the establishment of the stereotype of the Italian American gangster (Little Caesar,Scarface) to its re-definition (Mean Streets), the film industry has played a significant role in shaping the collective identity of Italian Americans. Moreover, the book explores a peculiar depiction of Italian American masculinity in films such as Marty and Raging Bull.

For decades, Italian migration studies in the United States have acknowledged the profound impact of cinema on the formation of an identifiable Italian American identity. More recently, scholars have recognized the existence of a diverse and nuanced plurality of Italian American identities that reflect various social and historical factors, including class backgrounds, relationships with other ethnic minorities, and cultural influences.

The second part of the book takes a critical approach to challenging the most prevalent stereotypes associated with Italian Americanness. It deconstructs the criminal tropes that have contributed to shaping the perception of Italian-American mafiosi in films such as The Funeral, Goodfellas, Donnie Brasco, and the first two chapters of the Godfather trilogy. By examining these films, the book offers a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of Italian American culture and society.

Written with a multidisciplinary approach, Italian Americans in Film appeals to a wide audience, including undergraduate and graduate students, as well as scholars who teach courses on Italian American cinema and visual culture. The book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the role of cinema in shaping the experiences and representations of Italian Americans throughout history.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 155 x 218 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031064647
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023