OXFORD HANDBOOK OF THE HOLLYWOOD MUSICAL

The film musical has a long history, dating back to 1927, and has recently experienced a renaissance with hits like La La Land and The Greatest Showman. The Oxford Handbook of the Hollywood Musical explores the genre's past, present, and future, addressing issues such as why audiences accept song and dance, how technology affects the staging of numbers, and how writers have adapted their material to suit certain stars. It also examines critical issues such as racism and sexism and assesses the film musical's role and nature in the twenty-first century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 696 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2022
Publisher: OXFORD HIGHER EDUCATION

Since the release of Baz Luhrmann's Moulin Rouge! in 2001, the film musical has experienced a remarkable resurgence as one of the most significant cinematic genres, captivating audiences of all ages with its captivating performances and infectious energy. However, the history of the musical on film extends far beyond the recent revival, tracing its roots back over seven decades. From the early pioneers of synchronized sound in The Jazz Singer (1927), to the Astaire-Rogers musicals of the 1930s, the MGM and Warner Brothers extravaganzas of the 1940s and 50s, and the roadshow era of the 1960s, the film musical has evolved and transformed in countless ways.

The genre's renaissance with La La Land (2016) and The Greatest Showman (2017) has solidified its status as a timeless and enduring form of entertainment. These films have not only received high critical acclaim but have also achieved widespread box office success, proving that the film musical remains as appealing as ever.

The Oxford Handbook of the Hollywood Musical, curated by editor Dominic Broomfield-McHugh, serves as a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the film musical genre. This handbook combines new discoveries from archival research with fresh perspectives on familiar titles, providing a comprehensive examination of the film musical's evolution, impact, and ongoing relevance.

The book addresses a range of critical issues that have shaped the film musical throughout its history. It delves into the question of why audiences embrace the concept of people bursting into song, exploring the emotional connection and narrative power that musicals possess. It also examines how technology has influenced the staging of numbers, from the early use of special effects to the modern advancements in digital production.

Furthermore, the handbook explores how writers have adapted their material to suit specific stars, highlighting the creative process behind the creation of iconic musical numbers. It also takes a deep dive into critical issues such as racism and sexism, assessing the ways in which the film musical has addressed these societal concerns and the impact they have had on audiences.

In addition to its analytical content, The Oxford Handbook of the Hollywood Musical offers valuable insights into the role and nature of the film musical in the twenty-first century. It explores the genre's continued evolution, its global appeal, and its ability to adapt to changing cultural and societal norms. The book also considers the impact of the film musical on popular culture, its influence on fashion, music, and dance, and its potential for future innovation.

As a resource for students and scholars alike, The Oxford Handbook of the Hollywood Musical is a remarkable survey at the cutting edge of the field. It provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the film musical genre, offering a wealth of information and analysis that will deepen understanding and appreciation of this dynamic and enduring form of entertainment.

In conclusion, the film musical has a rich and storied history that spans several decades. From its early beginnings to its recent resurgence, the genre has evolved and transformed in countless ways, captivating audiences with its emotional power, visual spectacle, and ability to address critical social issues. The Oxford Handbook of the Hollywood Musical serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars, providing a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the film musical genre's past, present, and future. Its contributions to our understanding of this dynamic and enduring form of entertainment will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.

ISBN-13: 9780197503423