Social Life in the Movies

<p>Through an analysis of hundreds of Hollywood movies this book examines some of the most contentious social issues of our time including racism social inequality sexism and gerontophobia. With studies of some of the most enduring film genres in Hollywood’s history including romantic films such as <em>Casablanca</em> war movies from World War II through the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts alienation films including <em>Five Easy Pieces</em> and <em>Lost in Translation</em> the school movie from <em>Goodbye Mr. Chips</em> to other films set in academia including <em>Dead Poets Society</em> and <em>Dangerous Minds</em> the book outlines and demonstrates the sociological approach to viewing films and highlights the socially conservative nature of much Hollywood movie production which draws on common stereotypes and reinforces dominant cultural values - but is also capable of challenging and serving to change them.</p>