Books › From reverence to rape
From reverence to rape
First published 1974 · 425 pages
A sharp, paradigm-shifting deep dive into the silver screen that challenges everything you thought you knew about women in film.
What it feels like
Reading this foundational work of feminist film criticism feels like sitting in a dark theater with the smartest, most observant cinephile you know. The pace is steady and deliberate, guiding you through decades of Hollywood history with a sharp, analytical eye and a deeply passionate voice. It immerses you in an intellectual and provocative mood, dismantling the illusion that modern cinema is inherently more liberated than the Golden Age. The prose is erudite yet accessible, crackling with righteous frustration as it traces the shift from complex, revered heroines to victimized objects of the camera's gaze. It is a must-read for cultural critics and film lovers who crave a rigorous, paradigm-shifting exploration of how pop culture shapes, and is shaped by, our deepest societal misogynies.
- Mood
- intellectual
- reflective
- provocative
- righteous
- Tone
- analytical
- passionate
- sharp
- authoritative
- wry
- Pace
- steady
- Themes
- the illusion of progress · female agency and victimization · cinematic mythology · evolution of misogyny · cultural reflection
- The writing
- Erudite and incisive, blending rigorous cultural critique with the passionate, accessible flair of a devoted cinephile.
- The arc
- Begins with a fond, critical appreciation of early Hollywood's complex heroines and builds to a righteous, incisive frustration with the cinematic degradation of women in later decades.
- Who it's for
- Feminist film buffs and cultural critics who love dissecting pop culture and challenging accepted narratives of social progress.
Content notes
- discussions of sexual assault
- misogyny
- violence against women in media
- sexism
About the book
The image of women in films in the past and present is discussed and the roles played by various stars are highlighted.
Description from Open Library.
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