Reception of Mesopotamia on Film

Dr. Maria de Fátima Rosa examines how the movie industry has portrayed Ancient Mesopotamia, particularly in America and Italy, and how it has been used to convey analogies between ancient and contemporary cultural and moral contexts. The book explores how the Assyrian and Babylonian elites, particularly kings, queens, and priestesses, were perceived and represented on screen, and offers an insightful interpretation of the bias message that most of these films portray. It also provides a thorough introduction to the Old Testament paradigm and the romanticism of classical authors, a comprehensive exploration of the literary reception of the Mesopotamian legacy, and practical discussions of the rediscovery, appropriation, and visual reproduction of Assyria and Babylonia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 21 October 2021
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

In her captivating book, "Reception of Mesopotamia on Film," Dr. Maria de Fátima Rosa delves into the profound and multifaceted ways in which the Ancient Mesopotamian civilization has been depicted on the silver screen, particularly in America and Italy. Spanning a remarkable era that encompasses the early 20th century to the present day, this scholarly work explores the intricate ways in which filmmakers have portrayed and interpreted the Assyrian and Babylonian elites, including kings, queens, and priestesses.

A central theme of the book revolves around the portrayal and representation of Ancient Near Eastern women and the polytheistic religion that thrived in the land between the rivers. Rosa offers an insightful interpretation of the underlying bias messages conveyed by these films, shedding light on how the Mesopotamian past and Antiquity have been brought to the forefront of contemporary debates on emerging 20th-century political and social issues.

Furthermore, "Reception of Mesopotamia on Film" provides a comprehensive introduction to the Old Testament paradigm and the romanticism of classical authors. It delves into the rich literary reception of the Mesopotamian legacy, exploring its staging and reimagining in various forms of artistic expression. The book also offers practical discussions on the rediscovery, appropriation, and visual reproduction of Assyria and Babylonia, shedding light on the ethical considerations and challenges involved in these processes.

In-depth examinations of cinematic genres and cinematographic contexts are conducted, providing a deep understanding of the ways in which Mesopotamia has been visualized and interpreted on the screen. This book is an invaluable resource for students of history, particularly those interested in the study of antiquity, as well as for anyone with a passion for reception studies. With its rich insights and comprehensive analysis, "Reception of Mesopotamia on Film" offers a captivating journey into the complex and ever-evolving relationship between cinema and the representation of ancient civilizations.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 257 x 181 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119778646