The book explores how film and television have engaged with the golden age concept, covering a range of genres and examining its influence on screen texts from prestige projects to cult classics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2020
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This collection of fourteen essays delves into the profound impact of the golden age concept on the dominant media of our time, film and television. Drawing on ancient Greek and Roman literature and culture, from Hesiod to Suetonius, these essays examine the far-reaching influence of the golden age on screen texts across various genres, including prestige projects like Gladiator and HBO's Rome, cult classics like Xanadu and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and fantasy, science fiction, horror, war/combat, and the American Western. The book explores how the golden age concept has shaped the narrative, visual style, and cultural significance of these screen texts, highlighting the enduring appeal of the golden age narrative and its ability to resonate with audiences across different eras and cultures.

The Golden Age in Film and Television

This collection of fourteen essays explores how the dominant media of our time, film and television, have engaged with the golden age as formulated in the Western classical tradition. Drawing on ancient Greek and Roman literature and culture, from Hesiod to Suetonius, these essays assess the far-reaching influence of the golden age concept on screen texts ranging from prestige projects like Gladiator and HBO's Rome, to cult classics Xanadu and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, made by auteurs including Jules Dassin and the Coen Brothers. The book also looks at fantasy (Game of Thrones), science fiction (Serenity), horror (The Walking Dead), war/combat (the 300 franchise; Centurion), and the American Western.

Ancient Greek and Roman Literature and Culture

The golden age concept has its roots in ancient Greek and Roman literature and culture. Hesiod's "Theogony" describes a time of peace and prosperity, where humans lived in harmony with nature and the gods. This concept was later adopted by Roman writers, such as Suetonius, who described the reign of Augustus as a golden age. The golden age concept has been influential in Western literature, art, and culture for centuries, and it continues to be a popular theme in modern media.

Prestige Projects and Cult Classics

One of the most significant ways in which the golden age concept has been used in film and television is in the production of prestige projects. These projects are typically high-budget, critically acclaimed films or television shows that are designed to appeal to a wide audience. Examples of prestige projects include Gladiator, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2000, and HBO's Rome, which was nominated for numerous awards. These projects often feature historical settings and characters, and they often explore themes of power, politics, and morality.

Cult classics, on the other hand, are films or television shows that have gained a large and dedicated fan base over time. These films or television shows may not have been as successful commercially as prestige projects, but they have been praised for their unique style, storytelling, and cultural significance. Examples of cult classics include Xanadu, which was released in 1980 and has since become a cult favorite, and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, which ran from 1995 to 2001 and was praised for its blend of adventure, comedy, and mythology.

Fantasy, Science Fiction, Horror, War/Combat, and the American Western

The golden age concept has also been used in a wide range of other genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, war/combat, and the American Western. Fantasy films and television shows often explore themes of magic, adventure, and mythology, while science fiction films and television shows often explore themes of technology, space, and time. Horror films and television shows often explore themes of fear and the supernatural, while war/combat films and television shows often explore themes of conflict and violence. The American Western has been a popular genre for over a century, and it has been used to explore themes of frontier life, the struggle for independence, and the clash of cultures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the golden age concept has had a profound impact on the dominant media of our time, film and television. From its roots in ancient Greek and Roman literature and culture to its use in prestige projects and cult classics, the golden age concept has been a popular theme in modern media. Whether you are a fan of fantasy, science fiction, horror, war/combat, or the American Western, the golden age concept has likely had an impact on your favorite screen texts. By exploring the far-reaching influence of the golden age concept, this collection of essays provides a valuable insight into the history and cultural significance of these screen texts.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474440851