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" . . . a model of genre criticism and probably the best overall analysis of the film musical to date."
Journal of Popular Films and Television
"The American Film Musical is a truly admirable book which is well worth making a song and dance about. It will immediately assume biblical authority for all who are seriously interested in the dream-factory's most lavish fantasies, and it may even come to stand as a landmark in our understanding of Hollywood as a whole. . . . Altman's book is thorough, well informed and warmly good-humored. It has brought the study of musical films out of the dark ages." Times Literary Supplement
" . . . an important addition to both literature and film collections. . . . a landmark study."
Library Journal
"Altman's important study of the American film musical combines genre theory with film criticism and history. . . . Recommended . . . " Choice
The American Film Musical is at once the most advanced statement on genre theory and the most complete treatment of the American musical. Altman's unique interweaving of theory, history, and criticism represents an original and challenging contribution to film studies. Illustrated with over 200 frame enlargements and production stills.
Publisher : Indiana University Press; Reprint edition (February 22, 1988)
Language : English
Paperback : 400 pages
ISBN-10 : 025320514X
ISBN-13 : 978-0253205148
Item Weight : 2.1 pounds
Dimensions : 8 x 1.1 x 9.9 inches
Reviewer: classicflickchick
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Seminal Text on the Classical Hollywood Musical
Review: I love Altman's categorization of the genre: the show musical, the folk musical, and the fairytale musical. I've cited this text in almost every major research paper I've written in the last two years. Not too verbose, very clear, and a very interesting year. I also love the chart at the back which breaks down all of the Hollywood musicals up until the book's publishing date into these categories.
Reviewer: Catherine G. Hamilton
Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Brings the study of the musical to another level
Review: Finally, I found in "The American Film Musical" a critic who takes this genre seriously and has worked to understand its intricate and complex layers and patterns. Altman divides his study into three "subgenres" - the fairy tale musical, the show musical, and the folk musical - and demonstrates how most every example of the genre falls into one of these categories to some extent.As well as being devoted to the musical, Altman also provides a method for genre study in general, which some readers will want to skim or even skip if their only interest is research on the musical. However, to truly understand the workings of the genre it is beneficial to read the whole book, because the musical is surely one of the most complex art forms ever, and Altman does so much to break into the problems that many critics have ignored that it's worth being enlightened as to his process.The book makes you reconsider all the presuppositions you may have about the film musical and what constitutes a musical. The patterns and workings he reveals, particularly with regard to the dual-focus narrative, are fascinating: instead of just the old "how many songs?" question, Altman uses the criteria of "coupling" to form his theory of what constitues a musical.A definite YES for anyone searching through the dark for a more modern study of the genre.
Reviewer: W. R. Muhr
Rating: 2.0 out of 5 stars
Title: Strange,strange,strange
Review: One of the weirdest diatribes on movies I have ever tried to read. If you are a Ph.D candidate in movie musicals and have been hiding under a rock for most of your life,than maybe this thing would be useful as a door stop..........otherwise,forget it!
Reviewer: Larsech
Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Title:
Review: Consegna come al solito puntualissima, pacco in perfette condizioni e libro all'interno perfettamente integro.Il libro, purtroppo, è interamente in lingua inglese e quindi non risulta facilmente leggibile da tutti e non ne esiste nemmeno una traduzione italiana. In se il volume presenta contenuti davvero interessanti, a partire dal perno della teoria di Altman, ovvero le tre divisioni in sottogenere del musical. L'unica domanda che sorge è...non sarà un po antiquato? Non vi saranno concetti da rivedere e smussare?Comunque, senza ombra di dubbio rimane una lettura davvero ottima che mette in luce molteplici aspetti del genere cinematografico del Musical americano con semplicità e chiarezza, utilizzando un linguaggio assolutamente adatto anche a chi non è "addetto ai lavori"...forse proprio per questo l'avrei preferito un pochino più specifico.