FILM THEORY & CRITICISM

The Player: Hope, Heart, Nudity, Sex, and Happy Endings

The evolution of the American film industry has seen a multitude of transformations since its inception. From the Golden Age of Hollywood in the 1930's and 40's, to the edgy, unconventional and personal films of the 1970's, to the big budget, sequel driven movies of today, Hollywood has transformed into a finely tuned mass consumer machine, based on proven formulas and marketable storylines that often sacrifice substance over style. Director Robert Altman's career spans over two highly different periods in the American film industry. Read on...