Ridley Scott: A Critical Filmography

by William B. Parrill

Overview

Ridley Scott, the director of such seminal films as Blade Runner, Alien and Thelma & Louise, is one of the most important directors of the last fifty years. Unlike many directors, Scott has been remarkably transparent about his craft, offering the audience glimpses into his creative process. This book explores Scott's oeuvre in depth, devoting a chapter to his 22 primary works, from his first effort, Boy and Bicycle (1962), through Robin Hood (2010). Topics discussed include the critical reception of the films, and the ways in which Scott's works function as cinematic mediators of issues such as religion, women's rights and history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786458660
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	07/29/2011
Pages:	189
Product dimensions:	6.90(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

The late William B. Parrill was an emeritus professor of English and communication at Southeastern Louisiana University. He was a founding editor of the journal Louisiana Literature and wrote extensively on films and contemporary literature.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Preface     
Introduction     

1. Boy and Bicycle (1962): Playing Hooky     
2. Adam Adamant Lives! (1966): The League of Uncharitable Ladies     
3. The Duellists (1977): En Garde!     
4. Alien (1979): Ripley on Call     
5. Blade Runner (1982): At the Thanhauser Gate     
6. Legend (1985): I Only Wanted to Touch One. Where’s the Harm in That?     
7. Someone to Watch Over Me (1987): Is It Love, Mike?     
8. Black Rain (1989): One Big Gray Area     
9. Thelma & Louise (1991): On the Road: One Insult Too Far     
10. 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992): I Think We Have Returned to Eden     
11. White Squall (1996): A Meterological Phenomenon of the Imagination     
12. G. I. Jane (1997): Wild Thing     
13. Gladiator (2000): There Was Once a Dream That Was Rome     
14. Black Hawk Down (2001): Bird Down in the City     
15. Hannibal (2001): Hannibal the Cannibal     
16. Matchstick Men (2003): Mean Street Men in Bright Colors     
17. All the Invisible Children (2005): “Jonathan”: The Rediscovery of Life Through Childhood     
18. Kingdom of Heaven (2005): Jerusalem: The Center of the World for Forgiveness     
19. A Good Year (2006): Postcards from Provence     
20. American Gangster (2007): Cops Kill Cops They Can’t Trust     
21. Body of Lies (2008): Closing Time     
22. Robin Hood (2010): The Outlaw Returns to History     

Filmography     
Bibliography     
Index     

Editorial Reviews

fascinating, thought-provoking work...highly recommended”—ARBA; “during his career, he has been able to exercise greater control over the content of his films than almost any other director...a master of the entire filmmaking process, including organizing and planning”—Reference & Research Book News; “provides a very neat, brief look into some of the most iconic films of the last two decades. Parnell has gone the extra mile than most film fans though and there are some fascinating insights into each film”—Filmwerk.

From the Publisher

"provides a very neat, brief look into some of the most iconic films of the last two decades. Parnell has gone the extra mile than most film fans though and there are some fascinating insights into each film"

Filmwerk

during his career, he has been able to exercise greater control over the content of his films than almost any other director...a master of the entire filmmaking process, including organizing and planning

Reference & Research Book News

fascinating, thought-provoking work...highly recommended

ARBA