New Book: Hollywood Film 1963-1976: Years of Revolution and Reaction by Drew Casper

My thanks to Chris Yogerst for letting me know about a new book by USC's great film professor Drew Casper, HOLLYWOOD FILM 1963-1976: YEARS OF REVOLUTION AND REACTION.

A little Internet surfing brought me to a recent interview with Casper about the book on the USC website. It sounds quite fascinating, as Casper's goal was to look at the era from a new perspective: "It was a challenge not to fall into the trap as most have of seeing this period as one in which Hollywood indulged in liberalist critique"; Casper looks at the era more broadly, examining what he describes as conservative, centrist, and "classical" style films of the era.

He says, "I wanted to talk about films and filmmakers who are usually not part of the canon erected by historians who addressed this period." The films Casper covers in the book include Stanley Donen's TWO FOR THE ROAD, Martin Ritt's THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD, and Disney's MARY POPPINS; he also feels John Wayne in TRUE GRIT "leaves Jeff Bridges' interpretation in the remake in the dust."

Sounds like another title for my reading wish list! Chris will be reviewing the book soon for Big Hollywood, and I'll be sure to link to it here.

May 20th Update: Here's the review!