The Political Economy of Hollywood: Capitalist Power and Cultural Production

Hollywood's film business is analyzed in this book to understand how the largest firms try to control social creativity to reduce financial risks. It argues that capitalist power is the foundation of capital accumulation and that Hollywood's goals have clashed with the aesthetic potentials of cinema, stifling creativity in the pursuit of limiting risk.

Format: Hardback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 25 February 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In the realm of Hollywood, the intertwining of art and business creates a complex tapestry of aspirations and challenges. Directors, writers, actors, and idealistic producers strive to create the finest films imaginable, driven by a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. However, their ambitions often collide with the dominant firms that control the distribution of Hollywood films. This control of distribution holds immense significance, as it enables these firms and other large businesses, such as banks that provide financing, to effectively stand between film production and the ever-evolving market.

In this captivating book, the author delves into the intricate power structure of the Hollywood film business, shedding light on its general modes of behavior. More specifically, the work explores how the largest Hollywood firms strive to exert control over social creativity, aiming to mitigate the financial risks inherent in the art of filmmaking. The book argues that controlling the ways people make or watch films is a fundamental aspect of Hollywood's capitalist power. Capitalist power, rooted in the ability to control, modify, and, at times, limit social creation through the rights of ownership, forms the foundation of capital accumulation. Within the Hollywood film business, capitalist power revolves around the ability of business concerns to shape the future of cinema. This includes determining the types of films that will be distributed, the volume of films released, and the range of cinematic alternatives available to individual moviegoers.

Through a rigorous combination of theoretical analysis and detailed empirical research on the financial performance of the major Hollywood film companies, the book unveils the intricate dynamics that underpin Hollywood's capitalist goals. It reveals how these goals have clashed with the aesthetic potentials of cinema, ultimately stifling creativity in the pursuit of limiting risk. This sharp critique of the Hollywood machine offers valuable insights for students and scholars alike, providing a critical lens through which to understand the complex interplay between art, business, and the pursuit of cinematic excellence.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367552640