SEEING THROUGH THE SCREEN

Although films affect and reflect the way Americans look at politics they have received far less attention than television or newspapers This is changing particularly on college campuses where courses on politics and film are growing in popularity This book consists of short essays on approximately fifty American political films It is distinctive in two ways First it defines politics broadly enough to include a range of films not only on such obviously political topics as the presidency congress and elections but also on the media law and courts war and peace and a variety of policy issues Second it goes beyond plot and dialogue to discuss the language of film including visual aspects sound miseenscene and other ways that films communicate their messages to audiences Each chapter begins with a brief introduction to the films included The essays also explain the political context of each film and when films are based on historical events discuss the accuracy of their depictions At the end of each essay references to additional sources are included This book explores the extent to which films take on the political issues of the day and their influence on public perceptions of politics Do films support the status quo or do they challenge it