Yul Brynner: Exoticism, Cosmopolitanism and Screen Masculinity

Yul Brynner's star image was built on cosmopolitan flair, shifting tales of origin, baldness, and film roles as foreign rulers, freedom fighters, army officials, gunslingers, and secret agents of ever-shifting ethnicities. This book explores his exotic and masculine star image and its transformations from lavish Orientalist Hollywood spectacles to European co-productions, action films, and sci-fi. It covers his entire film catalogue, rumoured projects, television work, and stage appearances, as well as their international media reception.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Yul Brynner: The Cinematic Appeal and Star Persona

In the realm of cinematic allure, Yul Brynner stands as a towering figure, his star image captivating audiences for decades. This book delves into the intricate tapestry of Brynner's star persona, examining his remarkable career spanning from the glamorous Hollywood of the 1950s to the European co-productions, action films, and science fiction of the 1970s. Through a rich array of archival sources, the author explores the multifaceted nature of Brynner's star image, which was built upon a cosmopolitan flair, shifting tales of origin, baldness, and a diverse range of film roles that showcased his versatility as an actor. Whether portraying Cossacks, marauding pirate captains, or cross-dressing torch singers, Brynner's characters always stood out, leaving an indelible mark on the screen.

This comprehensive exploration delves into the evolution of Brynner's star image, tracing its transformations from the lavish Orientalist Hollywood spectacles of the 1950s to the European co-productions of the 1960s. It examines the interplay between Brynner's physical presence and bodily gestures in film performance, highlighting the ways in which he used his body to convey emotions and convey complex characters. The book encompasses Brynner's entire film catalogue, including his rumoured yet unrealised projects, television work, and stage appearances, as well as their international media reception. Thematically organised, it delves into critical aspects such as racial casting policies in Hollywood during the transition period, the construction of sex symbols, Brynner's humanitarian work, and the recurring poses and gestures that characterised his performance style.

Through meticulous research and analysis, this book offers a deep understanding of Yul Brynner's cinematic appeal and star persona, shedding light on the enduring legacy of this iconic actor. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, film enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of film performance and the impact of racial casting policies on Hollywood's history.

Weight: 604g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474497947