Refocus: the Films of Susan Seidelman

This first collection devoted to Susan Seidelman director,producer and visionary of feminist American cinema and television includes never-before-published archival material and an interview with insights into her process and thoughts on #timesup and the future of the industry.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Susan Seidelman is an American director and producer who has made significant contributions to the film and television industry. Her work often focuses on feminist themes and has been praised for its innovative approach to storytelling. This first collection of scholarly works dedicated to her career includes an exclusive chapter-length interview in which Seidelman examines her career and discusses many of her lesser-known films, some of which are being released for the first time.

The book also suggests a reframing of authorship theory to be more inclusive of women directors who work in both film and television. It examines Seidelman's shifts from independent films to Hollywood studio movies to television and made-for-TV movies in relationship to changes in the industry. The book provides cultural context for Seidelman's films, including representations of gender, race, and disability. It also includes genre analysis to illustrate how Seidelman twists genres for feminist stories and readings.

The book assesses Seidelman's critical reputation, including instances of mismatch between critical and audience reception. Despite her significant contributions to the industry, Seidelman's work has been relatively overlooked in academic circles. This collection begins to fill that gap while opening the door for additional scholarship, making this a valuable text for students and scholars of film and television studies.

In conclusion, Susan Seidelman is a visionary director and producer who has made significant contributions to the film and television industry. This first collection of scholarly works dedicated to her career provides valuable insights into her process and thoughts on important issues such as gender equality and representation. It is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist cinema and television.

Weight: 514g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399503051