Refocus: the Films of Steve Mcqueen

This book is the first full-length study of British director Steve McQueen's diverse output, from video installations to independent cinema to Hollywood to the BBC. It investigates his landmark television series Small Axe, as well as his Hollywood films (Widows, 12 Years A Slave), independent titles (Shame, Hunger), and gallery installations. It draws on multiple methods to explore his wide body of work, including political contextualisation, textual analysis, institutional studies, and intertextual comparisons. McQueen's prodigious output has been marked by formal ambition and political urgency, and this book offers critical insights into his engagements with race, gender, the body, love, and pain, and his abiding self-reflexive interest in the potential of multiple audio-visual forms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Steve McQueen: A Visual Odyssey

The life and work of British director Steve McQueen, known for his diverse output spanning from video installations to independent cinema to Hollywood and the BBC, is explored in depth in this comprehensive book. Authored by acclaimed film scholar and critic Simon Reynolds, the book offers a comprehensive analysis of McQueen's artistic journey.

Reynolds delves into the various stages of McQueen's career, from his early experimental works to his Hollywood films such as "Widows," "12 Years A Slave," and "Hunger." He also examines McQueen's independent titles, such as "Shame" and "Hunger," as well as his gallery installations.

One of the key focuses of the book is the landmark television series "Small Axe," which McQueen co-created and directed. Reynolds explores the political and social context of the series, which examines the experiences of Black Britons in the 1960s and 1970s. The series is praised for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and its exploration of themes of race, class, and identity.

In addition to his Hollywood films, McQueen's independent cinema work is also examined. Reynolds explores the themes and techniques that characterized McQueen's approach to filmmaking, such as his use of non-linear storytelling, visual style, and political commentary.

The book draws on a range of methods to explore McQueen's wide body of work, including political contextualization, textual analysis, institutional studies, and intertextual comparisons. Reynolds employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on insights from film studies, cultural studies, and other fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of McQueen's artistic vision.

Throughout the book, Reynolds offers critical insights into McQueen's engagements with race, gender, the body, love, and pain. He explores how McQueen used visual and narrative techniques to challenge traditional notions of representation and explore the complexities of human experience.

McQueen's abiding self-reflexive interest in the potential of multiple audio-visual forms is also explored. Reynolds examines how McQueen used a range of formats, from video art and gallery installations to independent cinema to Hollywood to the BBC, to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences for his audiences.

The book concludes by examining the controversies
The book concludes by examining the controversies as well as the achievements in McQueen's stellar career so far. Reynolds provides a balanced assessment of McQueen's contributions to film and culture, highlighting his innovative approach to storytelling, his commitment to social justice, and his lasting impact on the world of cinema.

Overall, "Steve McQueen: A Visual Odyssey" is a must-read for anyone interested in the life and work of one of the most important British film makers of our time. The book offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of McQueen's artistic journey, providing critical insights into his engagements with race, gender, the body, love, and pain, and his abiding self-reflexive interest in the potential of multiple audio-visual forms.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 161 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399510936