The Big Picture

This study of the Hollywood mainstream addresses the questions which are asked about the world's most profitable film industry. Who are the decision makers? Which are the biggest names? Why do they make the films they do and what are the habits of film audiences? To provide answers, the book looks at key films from 1977 to 1997. This study combines a survey of developments since the 1960s with case studies of the careers of film-makers and stars, and it links these developments with analysis of formal characteristics and thematic concerns of key films from 1977 to 1997. The book explores factors crucial to this cinema, including video and cable TV, the Disney company, the work of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg and the role of mega-hits such as "Star Wars", E.T.", "Ghost" and "Titanic". There is also a look at the audience and its influence on the cinema industry.