The Contemporary Superhero Film: Projections of Power and Identity
Audiences around the globe continue to flock to see the latest releases from Marvel and DC studios, making it clear that superhero films resonate with the largest global audience that Hollywood has ever reached. Yet despite dominating theater screens like never before, the superhero genre remains critically marginalized—ignored at best and more often actively maligned.

Terence McSweeney examines this global phenomenon, providing a concise and up-to-date overview of the superhero genre. He lays out its narrative codes and conventions, exploring why it appeals to diverse audiences and what it has to say about the world in the first two decades of the twenty-first century. Unpacking the social, ideological, and cultural content of superhero films, he argues that the genre should be considered a barometer of contemporary social anxieties and a reflection of cultural values. McSweeney scrutinizes representations of gender, race, and sexuality as well as how the genre’s conventions relate to and comment on contemporary political debates. Beyond American contributions to the genre, the book also features extensive analysis of superhero films from all over the world, contrasting them with the dominant U.S. model.

The book’s presentation of a range of case studies and critical debates is accessible and engaging for students, scholars, and enthusiasts at all levels.
1136700053
The Contemporary Superhero Film: Projections of Power and Identity
Audiences around the globe continue to flock to see the latest releases from Marvel and DC studios, making it clear that superhero films resonate with the largest global audience that Hollywood has ever reached. Yet despite dominating theater screens like never before, the superhero genre remains critically marginalized—ignored at best and more often actively maligned.

Terence McSweeney examines this global phenomenon, providing a concise and up-to-date overview of the superhero genre. He lays out its narrative codes and conventions, exploring why it appeals to diverse audiences and what it has to say about the world in the first two decades of the twenty-first century. Unpacking the social, ideological, and cultural content of superhero films, he argues that the genre should be considered a barometer of contemporary social anxieties and a reflection of cultural values. McSweeney scrutinizes representations of gender, race, and sexuality as well as how the genre’s conventions relate to and comment on contemporary political debates. Beyond American contributions to the genre, the book also features extensive analysis of superhero films from all over the world, contrasting them with the dominant U.S. model.

The book’s presentation of a range of case studies and critical debates is accessible and engaging for students, scholars, and enthusiasts at all levels.
22.0 In Stock
The Contemporary Superhero Film: Projections of Power and Identity

The Contemporary Superhero Film: Projections of Power and Identity

by Terence McSweeney
The Contemporary Superhero Film: Projections of Power and Identity

The Contemporary Superhero Film: Projections of Power and Identity

by Terence McSweeney

Paperback(New Edition)

$22.00 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    In stock. Ships in 6-10 days.
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

Audiences around the globe continue to flock to see the latest releases from Marvel and DC studios, making it clear that superhero films resonate with the largest global audience that Hollywood has ever reached. Yet despite dominating theater screens like never before, the superhero genre remains critically marginalized—ignored at best and more often actively maligned.

Terence McSweeney examines this global phenomenon, providing a concise and up-to-date overview of the superhero genre. He lays out its narrative codes and conventions, exploring why it appeals to diverse audiences and what it has to say about the world in the first two decades of the twenty-first century. Unpacking the social, ideological, and cultural content of superhero films, he argues that the genre should be considered a barometer of contemporary social anxieties and a reflection of cultural values. McSweeney scrutinizes representations of gender, race, and sexuality as well as how the genre’s conventions relate to and comment on contemporary political debates. Beyond American contributions to the genre, the book also features extensive analysis of superhero films from all over the world, contrasting them with the dominant U.S. model.

The book’s presentation of a range of case studies and critical debates is accessible and engaging for students, scholars, and enthusiasts at all levels.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780231192415
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Publication date: 11/10/2020
Series: Short Cuts
Edition description: New Edition
Pages: 176
Product dimensions: 5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Terence McSweeney is senior lecturer in film and television studies at Solent University. His books include Avengers Assemble! Critical Perspectives on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Wallflower, 2018) and The War on Terror and American Film: 9/11 Frames Per Second (2014).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction: Cultural Phenomenon or Cultural Catastrophe? 1

1 The Codes and Conventions of the Contemporary Superhero Film 17

Case Study: Spider-Man 29

Case Study: Deadpool 33

2 The Mythologies of the Contemporary Superhero Film 38

Case Study: Superman 45

Case Study: Batman 49

3 Gender and Sexuality in the Contemporary Superhero Film 55

Case Study: Wonder Woman 65

Case Study: The Incredibles 69

4 Ethnicity in the Contemporary Superhero Film 75

Case Study Hancock 80

Case Study: Black Panther 84

5 The Global Contemporary Superhero Film 88

Case Study: SuperBob 99

Case Study: Krrish 103

Conclusion: "Is it me or is it getting crazier out there?" The Future of the Contemporary Superhero Film and the Genre"s "Impossible Solutions for Insoluble Problems" 109

Filmography 115

Notes 119

Bibliography 139

Index 155

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews