I learned a ton from this book about film in American culture!

This book provided me with a wealth of knowledge and insights into the fascinating world of film within the context of American culture.

It explored various aspects such as the historical development of the film industry in America, the influence of different cultural trends and social movements on film, and the ways in which films have both reflected and shaped American society.

I discovered how films have been used as a powerful medium to tell stories, convey messages, and evoke emotions.

The book also delved into the different genres of American film, from action and adventure to romance and comedy, and analyzed their unique characteristics and appeal.

Overall, this book has been an eye-opening and enriching experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about film and American culture.

Sklar penned this work in the late 1970s. Subsequently, in the mid-1990s, he updated it by adding a few new chapters.

His exploration of the role that movies played within American culture throughout the 20th Century is a captivating one. At times, it is truly fascinating as he delves deep into the subject. However, at other times, it can seem evasive, as if he is skirting around certain aspects. There are also moments when his insights are remarkable, providing a fresh perspective on the relationship between movies and culture. But then there are instances where it feels like he is grasping at straws, perhaps trying too hard to make a connection.

Nevertheless, Sklar's writing is always extremely readable. He fills his work with a wealth of historical details, although sometimes these are frustratingly dropped in asides as he focuses on the bigger picture ideas.

The Hollywood production method that emerged in the 1910s and endured until the late 1940s created a virtual symbiotic connection between movies and culture. This is why Sklar is at his best when telling stories from that era. After that, in many sections, he seems more interested in covering a wide range of niches rather than truly connecting to the culture. But this is a challenge when attempting to describe a post-monoculture society.

I have the sense that this is a foundational book in cultural studies, and that a great deal of important work has been built upon it in the years since its publication.

The history of film's impact on America is both clear and dense. It is truly a remarkable and essential part of American history. Since the early days of cinema, films have had a profound influence on various aspects of American society. They have shaped cultural norms, influenced fashion trends, and even had an impact on political and social movements. Films have the power to transport audiences to different worlds, evoke emotions, and spark conversations. They have become a significant form of entertainment, attracting millions of viewers each year. Moreover, the film industry has also had a major economic impact, generating billions of dollars in revenue and providing employment opportunities for countless individuals. From silent movies to the latest blockbusters, the history of film in America is a rich and fascinating story that continues to unfold.

For my film/history class, I read this.

This book offers a remarkable insight into Hollywood culture and the history of film.

The greater part of the book focuses on old Hollywood, which is indeed the most compelling aspect of it.

It delves deep into the golden age of cinema, exploring the lives and works of the iconic stars, directors, and producers.

The detailed accounts of the glamorous premieres, the intense rivalries, and the creative processes behind the classic films make this section truly engaging.

However, the book also briefly touches on the evolution of Hollywood in more recent times, providing a broader perspective on the industry's development.

Overall, it is a fascinating read that not only educates but also entertains, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the world of film.

One of my favorite textbooks from film school is an absolute gem.

It not only provides in-depth knowledge about the various aspects of filmmaking but also offers practical insights and real-world examples.

The book is beautifully written and organized, making it easy to understand even the most complex concepts.

It covers everything from scriptwriting and cinematography to editing and sound design.

Each chapter is filled with valuable information and tips that have helped me enhance my skills as a filmmaker.

Whether I'm working on a short film or a feature-length project, this textbook is always by my side, serving as a reliable guide and source of inspiration.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in the art of filmmaking.

The statement "so outdated it’s crazy. books like this shouldn’t be used to teach you about a subject" is quite strong.

It implies that the content in such books is extremely old-fashioned and no longer relevant for educational purposes.

In today's rapidly evolving world, knowledge and information are constantly changing.

Subjects such as science, technology, and even some aspects of history and social sciences are constantly being updated with new research and discoveries.

Using outdated books to teach can lead to students learning incorrect or incomplete information.

It is essential for educators to stay updated with the latest developments in their respective fields and use modern and relevant teaching materials.

This will ensure that students receive a high-quality education and are well-prepared for the challenges of the future.

Outdated books may have some historical value, but they should not be the primary source of learning for students.

Educators should strive to provide students with the most accurate and up-to-date information to help them succeed in their studies and in life.

I liked it.

However, anything that I have to read for a class gets downgraded a bit by default.

This might seem a bit unfair, but it's just the way it is for me.

When I'm reading for pleasure, I can fully immerse myself in the story or the ideas presented.

I can take my time, savor the words, and really let them sink in.

But when it's for a class, there's always that added pressure.

I have to read it quickly, understand it thoroughly, and be able to discuss it in class.

This can sometimes take away from the enjoyment of the reading.

Despite this, I still try to approach each reading assignment with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

After all, education is important, and these readings are an essential part of that process.

Maybe one day, I'll be able to find a way to balance the requirements of my classes with my love of reading.

I really liked the early history which was presented in the first part of the book. It was truly fascinating and engaging. However, as the narrative moved into the late 20th century, I found myself growing increasingly bored.

This could potentially be attributed to the fact that the book was originally written in the 1970s. What was considered the present back then is now history, and this gives a different perspective. It likely leads to different historical conclusions as well.

The problem is even more pronounced in the updated portion of the second edition, which takes us up through the early 1990s.

In contrast, The Story of Film: An Odyssey was much more enjoyable. I would highly recommend going to watch that instead of reading this book, or at least skipping the second half of this book. It offers a more captivating and contemporary look at the subject matter.

The history of cinema is truly a remarkable and captivating journey.

It has evolved over the years, starting from the early days of simple silent films to the highly advanced and immersive cinematic experiences we have today.

The evolution of cinema has not only led to technological advancements but has also given birth to a rich and diverse culture.

Cinema has the power to transport us to different worlds, evoke a wide range of emotions, and tell stories that resonate with people from all walks of life.

It has become a global phenomenon, with movies being produced and enjoyed in every corner of the globe.

The culture that has been created around cinema includes everything from movie stars and red carpet events to film festivals and fan communities.

Cinema has also influenced other art forms, such as music, fashion, and literature.

In conclusion, the great history of the evolution of cinema and the culture it has created and been created around is a testament to the power of human creativity and the enduring appeal of the moving image.

I've often heard people assert that the '90s truly came to an end on 9/11. It's quite conceivable that, at some future point, American history will, in hindsight, regard the pandemic explosion in March 2020 as the dawn of a new era. We make sense of history by dividing it into distinct sections, and we define each of these sections by their major events.

What really caught my attention in this book was the ingenious way in which Robert Sklar dissected American film history. Each chapter delved into a new development that had a profound impact on American film. At times, it was the emergence of new talent, such as writers and directors. On other occasions, it was a technological innovation like the advent of sound or home television. And sometimes, it was a larger civilizational turning point like World War II or the Vietnam War. In all these instances, Sklar meticulously explored how film was shaped by the American society and politics of the time, and vice versa. I found it to be extremely well-organized and easily digestible, especially for someone like me who was just starting to dip their toes into the vast ocean of film history.

Movie buffs might find the film criticism in the book a bit on the ordinary side. However, I thought that the level of detail was entirely appropriate given the scope of the work. Sklar offered his insights on dozens of directors and hundreds of films. By the time I reached the end, I had compiled a rather extensive list of films that I was eager to watch. The book concluded with a comprehensive bibliography for those who wished to further explore the topics discussed.

This book was first published in 1975 and last revised in 1994. As a result, almost a third of the book was dedicated to the early days of Hollywood, while the 1970s - 1990s received relatively less in-depth treatment. I truly wish that Sklar were still alive to flesh out the 1990s and 2000s, and I would be absolutely fascinated to hear his thoughts on the streaming age as well. Nevertheless, I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who desires a broad overview of the first century of American film.

I had high expectations for this book. I anticipated it would offer an in-depth and perceptive analysis of the intricate synergistic relationship between American movies and American society, and vice versa. I'm not entirely sure why I held such hopes. Maybe I'm just an optimist, because the thought of reading a mediocre book seems like a waste of precious time, especially considering the abundance of excellent books out there. So, why didn't this book meet my expectations? Well, who really cares! But I'll briefly explain my reasons.

For one thing, a significant portion of the analysis appeared to be rather superficial. For instance, it simply noted how upbeat movies were a common feature in Hollywood during the Reagan years. Or it mentioned the brief period in the 1970s when Hollywood was willing to finance offbeat movies because producers believed they could make a profit. And secondly, this period was also marked by the retirement of many old-school, traditional Hollywood directors and producers. It could be that my extensive knowledge of film history made me think, "I already know that." However, someone else might have a different opinion and say, "Wow, I never knew that!" or simply, "Who cares!"

I was also somewhat bothered by the lack of analysis of European, Asian, and Latin American films. But then, as I was reading, I glanced at the book's title, and the reason became clear.

Aside from those observations, I did manage to learn a few things that seemed important. However, they weren't substantial enough to justify reading the entire book. For example, the author presented fairly solid evidence that early movie-going contributed to an awareness of class bifurcation. Poorer people attended films up until the early 1930s, while affluent people regarded the activity as boorish and a sign of the lowering of cultural standards in America. Secondly, the concept of creating "Blockbuster" films was mainly a response to changes in film distribution practices and laws. If audiences didn't respond immediately and movie theaters didn't attract viewers promptly, the financial consequences could be more embarrassing.

In my Film Studies days at Concordia University, I delved deep into the world of film. This particular reading not only increased my knowledge on how films are made but also became an integral part of my learning journey. It provided valuable insights into the intricate processes involved in filmmaking, from the initial concept to the final product.

Even now, it still sits on my shelf at home, a reminder of those formative years. Alongside it, I have other books on documentaries and film theory. These collections have been a source of inspiration and learning for me. They have helped me understand the different techniques, styles, and approaches used in the film industry.

Whether it's analyzing the cinematography, the narrative structure, or the thematic elements, these books have equipped me with the tools to appreciate and critique films on a deeper level. They have also broadened my perspective and made me more aware of the diverse range of films and their cultural significance.

Overall, my collection of books on film has been an essential part of my film education and continues to influence my understanding and love for this art form.