The American Cinema: Directors And Directions 1929-1968

Andrew Sarris

The American Cinema: Directors and Directions 1929-1968 by Andrew Sarris is a timeless film criticism text and classic of the film studies field. In this book, Sarris offers deep insights into the development of American film over the four decades between 1929 and 1968. In addition to providing a thoughtful and provocative analysis of the principal players and movements of the period, Sarris also adds a critical and historical context and overview. With an eye for detail and an ear for nuance, Sarris examines the cultural flows and ebb of producer-directors from the Pre-Code era to the New Wave era. He delves into both the artistic and political landscapes of film production, drawing on creative works from early Hollywood to independent cinemas. Of particular note is his examination of directorial styles and auteuristic tendencies within the context of the time, touching on topics such as censorship and the role of producers, writers, and other craftsmen of the art form. As such, it is an essential text for those that wish to gain a better understanding of classic American film and the way in which the industry evolved over this seminal period. As a whole, it is a multi-faceted and comprehensive book that is worthy of its reputation as a cornerstone of American cinema.