Why We Fought: America's Wars in Film and History

Why We Fought: America's Wars in Film and History
ISBN-10
0813138744
ISBN-13
9780813138749
Series
Why We Fought
Category
Performing Arts
Pages
624
Language
English
Published
2008-07-25
Publisher
University Press of Kentucky
Authors
Peter C. Rollins, John E. O'Connor

Description

This book makes a powerful case that film can be as valuable a tool as primary documents for improving our understanding of the causes and consequences of war. Why We Fought: America's Wars in Film and History is a comprehensive look at war films, from depictions of the American Revolution to portrayals of September 11 and its aftermath. The volume contrasts recognized history and historical fiction with the versions appearing on the big screen. The text considers a selection of the pivotal war films of all time, including All Quiet on the Western Front (1930), Sands of Iwo Jima (1949), Apocalypse Now (1979), Platoon (1986), and Saving Private Ryan (1998). Why We Fought reveals how film depictions of the country's wars have shaped our values, politics, and culture, and it offers a unique understanding of American history.

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