Movie-Made America: A Cultural History of American Movies by robert sklar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Mine is the 1975 paperback, which I obtained from a used bookstore.

I'm currently in the process of checking to see if I also have the newer edition.

The 1975 paperback holds a certain charm and nostalgia for me. It's interesting to think about the journey this book has taken before it ended up in my hands at the used bookstore.

As I look through its pages, I wonder about the previous owners and what they thought of the content.

The act of checking for the newer edition adds an element of excitement.

Will I find it and be able to compare the two versions?

It's a simple yet engaging pursuit that makes me appreciate the world of books even more.

Whether I end up having the newer edition or not, the 1975 paperback will always have a special place on my bookshelf.

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Nonua

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

This book truly captivated me. To elaborate further with an analogy, it was as if I was strolling along a sweltering city street, when suddenly, the enticing aroma of popcorn drifted towards me on the cool air current from an AC unit. I simply couldn't continue walking past; I had to enter and explore this book! Overall, I was highly impressed. One aspect that made this book enjoyable for me was the combination of denser material and more easily digestible concepts. For instance, sandwiched between two more intricate chapters on the conglomeration of Hollywood's studios and the financial intricacies of the 1930s, there is a chapter about the public's perception of movie stars and their glamorous lives. The former chapters are significantly more complex than the latter, so it was advantageous that the author separated them. And it is evident that he knows his stuff when discussing early films (I would say, from their inception to around the 1940s or 50s). However, he wrote a book that涵盖了电影存在的整个第一个世纪, which includes the years after the 1950s. His points become a bit less coherent as he presents his views on cinema from the 1970s to the 1990s (he revised this book in 1994, so there is no discussion of the latter half of the 90s or the 2000s).

Another shortcoming is his tendency to write as if his book is the ultimate authority on film interpretations. When citing other sources, he writes about what the author he is citing "claims", but when writing about himself, he doesn't always qualify all his theories as possible interpretations. He presents them as if they are set in stone, much like God in a Cecil B. DeMille biblical epic.

Nevertheless, I would still recommend this book to anyone interested in film history. It provides a rather comprehensive look at the development of movies as we know them today, and it did prompt me to think more critically about the nature of cinema in this vastly different era than even Sklar himself could have anticipated.

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tinker3bellz1

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Incredibly informative, even if I did strongly disagree with a lot of Skalrs' opinions on many films.

It is truly remarkable how much knowledge and detail Skalrs has managed to pack into this work. However, I find myself at odds with some of his perspectives.

Also, how can you write nearly 400 densely packed pages on the "history" of Hollywood and its evolution and connection to the masses without once mentioning Oscar Micheaux or Noble Johnson?

These two individuals were significant figures in the history of Hollywood, yet they are completely absent from Skalrs' account.

Their contributions to the industry cannot be overlooked, and their omission seems rather strange.

It makes one wonder if Skalrs was simply unaware of their importance or if there was some other reason for their exclusion.

Despite this oversight, the book still offers a wealth of information and insights into the world of Hollywood.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and evolution of the film industry.

However, it is important to approach it with a critical eye and to consider the perspectives and opinions of other scholars and historians as well.

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Northz

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

**Title: The Importance of Class Textbooks**

Class textbooks play a crucial role in the educational process. They are the foundation upon which students build their knowledge and understanding of various subjects.

Textbooks provide a structured and organized approach to learning, presenting information in a logical sequence. They contain essential concepts, theories, and examples that help students grasp the subject matter.

Moreover, textbooks often include exercises, questions, and activities that allow students to practice and apply what they have learned. This hands-on experience is vital for reinforcing learning and developing critical thinking skills.

In addition, class textbooks serve as a reference for students. They can refer back to the textbook whenever they need to clarify a concept or review a particular topic.

However, it is important to note that textbooks should not be the sole source of learning. Teachers should supplement the textbook with additional materials, such as real-life examples, case studies, and multimedia resources, to make the learning experience more engaging and relevant.

In conclusion, class textbooks are an essential tool for students and teachers alike. They provide a solid foundation for learning and help students achieve academic success.

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Lettuceto

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Dry, so so dry.

It felt as if I had been trudging through a desert of words for an eternity. It took me half the book to finally get past the 40s.

But you know what? In a strange way, it was great.

Maybe it was the challenge of persevering through the arid prose that made it so rewarding.

Or perhaps it was the anticipation of what lay ahead that kept me going.

Whatever the reason, I found myself oddly captivated by the journey.

Despite the dryness, there were still moments of beauty and insight that shone through.

And as I continued to read, I began to see the bigger picture emerging.

The story was slowly unfolding, and I was eager to see where it would lead.

So, even though it was a struggle at times, I'm glad I didn't give up.

Because in the end, it was worth it.

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Kamilium

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Movie-Made America offers a profound cultural history of the movies.

It delves into the deep questions of how movies have transformed our desires and perception of reality, particularly in relation to consumerism. It also explores the limitations of their power to bring about changes, especially concerning social class and capitalism.

This work examines not only movies and directors but also the business side of the film industry and its connection to the broader American culture. It provides an excellent overview. While it would be beneficial if it extended to the modern era, its analysis of the beginnings of film (the author's deconstruction of Edison is quite engaging) and the golden age of the industry (in the 30s and 40s) is incisive.

In the complex blend of art and commerce, of stars and their audiences, much of our 21st-century culture of entertainment and celebrity has emerged. It is indeed valuable to have a guide who is so unafraid to make tough judgments.

Overall, Movie-Made America is a thought-provoking exploration of the impact of movies on American society and culture.

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Scoofy202

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

Film 106A is an interesting piece that I had the opportunity to explore.

It's quite a rarity for me to come across such a film and actually take the time to read about it.

The details and aspects of Film 106A might not be widely known, but delving into it was an enlightening experience.

Perhaps it has unique qualities or a story that sets it apart from the typical offerings in the film industry.

As I read about Film 106A, I couldn't help but wonder what made it stand out and why it caught my attention.

It could be the cinematography, the acting, or the overall concept.

Whatever the reason, Film 106A has left an impression on me, and I'm glad I took the time to learn more about it.

Maybe in the future, I'll have the chance to watch the film itself and see if it lives up to the expectations set by my initial reading.

Until then, Film 106A will remain a fascinating topic in my mind, waiting to be further explored.

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Tylonius

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 14,2025

This book was okay.

However, at times, it was rather challenging to keep up due to the numerous people and films that were mentioned in each and every chapter.

The sheer volume of references made it a bit of a struggle to fully understand and follow the narrative.

Nonetheless, it was still an interesting read.

The author's exploration of the various topics related to the people and films added depth and complexity to the book.

Despite the difficulties in following, it offered valuable insights and perspectives.

Overall, while it may not have been a perfect read, it had its moments of intrigue and was worth the time spent.

Perhaps with a second reading and more careful attention to the details, a greater understanding could be achieved.

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Movie-Made America: A Cultural History of American Movies

robert sklar

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