Produced by Irving Thalberg: Theory of Studio-Era Filmmaking

Irving Thalberg was a crucial producer during Hollywood's Golden Age and an innovative theorist of studio-era filmmaking. This book explores his insights into casting, editing, story composition, and the mass audience from a theoretical perspective, examining his impact on film-historical turning points and featuring in-depth analyses of his productions at MGM. His views represent a unified conceptual understanding of filmmaking that is still significant in the modern day.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Irving Thalberg, a pivotal figure during Hollywood's Golden Age, not only held the title of a critically acclaimed producer but also emerged as an innovative thinker in the realm of studio-era filmmaking. By delving into archival sources, this groundbreaking work stands as the first to examine Thalberg's profound insights into casting, editing, story composition, and the significance of the mass audience from a theoretical standpoint. Through comprehensive examinations, it explores Thalberg's profound impact on pivotal moments in film history, including the transition to sound cinema and the establishment of the Production Code. Furthermore, the book offers in-depth analyses of Thalberg's remarkable productions at MGM from 1924 to 1936, encompassing iconic films such as The Big Parade (1925), The Broadway Melody of 1929 (1929), and Romeo and Juliet (1936). What sets this book apart is its argument that Thalberg's views constitute a cohesive and enduring conceptual framework for filmmaking, one that remains highly relevant in the contemporary era. By delving into his visionary approach, readers gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that shaped the golden age of Hollywood cinema.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474451055