The American Abroad: The Imperial Gaze in Postwar Hollywood Cinema

This book explores how eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Western colonial formations of vision influenced classical Hollywood film style, providing a new perspective on the origins of the cinematic gaze. It argues that postwar Hollywood cinema adopted elements of British and French imperial visual culture, transforming them to suit a new United Statesian context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Drawing on a wealth of interdisciplinary sources, including cinema and media studies, art history, American studies, and postcolonial studies, this groundbreaking book offers a fresh and innovative perspective on Hollywood film aesthetics. It delves into the profound influence of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Western colonial formations of vision on classical Hollywood film style, providing a novel and unique understanding of the origins of the cinematic gaze. Classical Hollywood cinema constructs global spaces as an imaginative dreamworld, seamlessly subsuming geographical and cultural differences into utopian fantasy. However, this characteristic Hollywoodian aesthetic has seldom been explored in depth. How are such representations constructed within film texts? Is this utopian aesthetic truly as uniform and transparent as it appears? What is its relationship to the United States' status as an imperial power?

In her insightful work, "The American Abroad," Anna Cooper explores how postwar Hollywood cinema embraced elements of British and French imperial visual culture, adapting them to suit the unique context of the United States. Cooper argues that four visual discourses, namely the sublime, the ethnographic, the picturesque, and glamour, played pivotal roles in the development of a new American visual language. These discourses, drawn from various artistic traditions, were synthesized and transformed by Hollywood filmmakers to create a distinct cinematic aesthetic that reflected the nation's evolving identity and aspirations.

The sublime, characterized by its awe-inspiring and majestic qualities, found a place in Hollywood films as a means of representing the vastness and power of the American landscape. Filmmakers used sweeping vistas, towering mountains, and vast oceans to convey a sense of grandeur and awe, creating a visual language that resonated with the nation's sense of pride and ambition. The ethnographic discourse, inspired by the colonial era's fascination with indigenous cultures, was employed to showcase the diversity and richness of American society. Hollywood films depicted various ethnic groups, customs, and traditions, contributing to a broader understanding of the country's cultural heritage and fostering a sense of inclusivity.

The picturesque discourse, characterized by its emphasis on natural beauty and the depiction of everyday life, found a home in Hollywood films as a means of capturing the essence of American culture. Filmmakers used picturesque settings, such as small towns, farms, and rural landscapes, to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, creating a visual language that appealed to a broad audience. The glamour discourse, influenced by the fashion and entertainment industries, sought to portray a glamorous and sophisticated image of American society. Hollywood films featured lavish costumes, extravagant sets, and glamorous actors and actresses, creating a visual language that was both aspirational and aspirational.

By incorporating these visual discourses into their films, Hollywood filmmakers created a cinematic aesthetic that was both distinctive and influential. They shaped a visual language that resonated with American audiences, capturing the nation's dreams, aspirations, and cultural values. The American Abroad provides a valuable contribution to the study of Hollywood film aesthetics, offering a fresh perspective on the origins of the cinematic gaze and its relationship to the United States' status as an imperial power. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the book encourages scholars and film enthusiasts to explore the complex and multifaceted nature of classical Hollywood cinema and its enduring impact on global visual culture.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501314476