Talkies, Road Movies and Chick Flicks
Gender, Genre and Film Sound in American Cinema
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Book Presentation:
Offers a detailed and innovative discussion of film sound and gender in mainstream US cinema
The representation of gender in film remains an intensely debated topic, particularly in academic considerations of US mainstream cinema where it is often perceived as perpetuating rigid, binary views of gender, and reinforcing patriarchal, dominant notions of masculinity and femininity. While previous scholarly discussion has focused on visual or narrative portrayals of gender, this book considers the ways that film sound – music, voice, sound effects and silence – is used to represent gender. Taking a socio-historical approach, Heidi Wilkins investigates a range of popular US genres including screwball comedy, the road movie and chick flicks to explore the ways that film sound can reinforce traditional assumptions about masculinity and femininity, impart ambivalent meanings to them, or even challenge and subvert the notion of gender itself. Case studies include Mildred Pierce, Aliens and The Deer Hunter.
About the Author:
Heidi Wilkins is a journalist and independent scholar. She has taught film studies at the University of Essex and has published several articles about film sound and gender in contemporary American cinema.
Press Reviews:
Heidi Wilkins’ book provides a welcome contribution to film/sound studies. The neglected issue of gender in relation to film sound in American mainstream cinema is well explored and vividly discussded. This book should appeal to a wide variety of readers. The writing is fluent and thoughtful throughout.– Stephen Deutsch, Bournemouth University
> On a related topic:
Making Stereo Fit (2024)
The History of a Disquieting Film Technology
Listening With a Feminist Ear (2023)
Soundwork in Bombay Cinema
The Auditory Setting (2023)
Environmental Sounds in Film and Media Arts
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