Catherine Russell (2)

The Cinema of Barbara Stanwyck, by Catherine Russell, offers insight well beyond simply her body of work. What she reflected about the industry and society at the time, as well as how she influenced both as well.

While academic in aim, the writing is quite accessible for any film buff who wants more than simply a tribute to Stanwyck. I say that as someone who probably would have enjoyed just reading about her, I have been a big fan for decades. I was more than pleased with what I found here. I used film (among other popular culture texts) when I taught but never taught a course that used it exclusively. I think this would make a great centerpiece for a course about women in film from the 20s through the 70s. There is that much wonderful information showing the context within which Stanwyck constructed her career and persona.

Fans of hers will find a lot to enjoy even if you have less interest in what her career might say about society or the film industry. Along the way you might find yourself learning new ways to understand the things we tend to take in (too) passively. For anyone who enjoys the area where different disciplines intersect, this will be a special treat. Not only for what is presented here, but for how it is presented because it shows a way to approach integrating biography, film history, and film theory into whatever area studies you specialize in.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (mehr)