Cinema and Classical Texts: Apollo's New Light

by Martin M. Winkler

Overview

Apollo was the ancient god of light and the divine patron of the arts. He is therefore a fitting metaphor for cinematography, which is the modern art of writing with moving light. This book interprets films as visual texts and provides the first systematic theoretical and practical demonstration of the affinities between Greco-Roman literature and the cinema. It examines major themes from classical myth and history such as film portrayals of gods, exemplified by Apollo and the Muses; Oedipus, antiquity's most influential mythic-tragic hero; the question of heroism and patriotism in war; and the representation of women like Helen of Troy and Cleopatra as products of male desire and fantasy. Covering a wide range of European and American directors, genres and classical authors, this study provides an innovative perspective on the two disciplines of classics and cinema and demonstrates our most influential medium's unlimited range when it adapts ancient texts.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781107404366
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	05/10/2012
Pages:	362
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Martin M. Winkler is Professor of Classics at George Mason University.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations; Acknowledgments; Introduction: the god of light and the cinema eye; 1. A certain tendency in classical philology; 2. Divine epiphanies: Apollo and the Muses; 3. The complexities of Oedipus; 4. Patriotism and war: 'Sweet and fitting it is to die for one's country'; 5. Helen of Troy: marriage and adultery according to Hollywood; 6. Women in love; Epilogues: 'Bright shines the light'; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

One of the best known authorities on antiquity in film…reviews various ways in which classical culture has directly or indirectly shaped the medium of film….this book is driven by a principled enthusiasm….It is an important resource…because it makes a compelling case for mutual benefit between film studies and classical studies.” —Classical Review

From the Publisher