The Empire Strikes Back (1980), the second film in the original Star Wars trilogy, is often cited as the ‘best’ and most popular Star Wars movie.
In her compelling study, Rebecca Harrison draws on previously unpublished archival research to reveal a variety of original and often surprising perspectives on the film, from the cast and crew who worked on its production through to the audiences who watched it in cinemas. Harrison guides readers on a journey that begins with the film’s production in 1979 and ends with a discussion about its contemporary status as an object of reverence and nostalgia.
She demonstrates how Empire’s meaning and significance has continually shifted over the past 40 years not only within the franchise, but also in broader conversations about film authorship, genre, and identity.
Offering new insights and original analysis of Empire via its cultural context, production history, textual analysis, exhibition, reception, and post-1980 re-evaluations of the film, the book provides a timely and relevant reassessment of this enduringly popular film.
By:
Rebecca Harrison (Open University UK)
Imprint: Amulet
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions:
Height: 188mm,
Width: 134mm,
Spine: 10mm
Weight: 190g
ISBN: 9781911239970
ISBN 10: 191123997X
Series: BFI Film Classics
Pages: 112
Publication Date: 26 November 2020
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Chapter One. Introduction Chapter Two. Creating an Empire Chapter Three. In Production Chapter Four. The Film Chapter Five. Seeing Star Wars Chapter Six. Critics Write Back Chapter Seven. Number Five at Number One Appendices. Bibliography, Filmography, Film Credits
Rebecca Harrison is an academic, film critic and broadcaster in the UK. She is the author of From Steam to Screen: Cinema, the Railways and Modernity (I B Tauris, 2018), and of the forthcoming Decoding Star Wars: Gender, Race and the Power of Code in a Galaxy Far, Far Away (Bloomsbury). She regularly contributes to outlets including Sight & Sound, Screen Queens and BBC Radio Scotland.
Reviews for The Empire Strikes Back (Star Wars) (BFI Film Classics)
Rebecca's book is a thoughtful, meticulously researched celebration of one of the most iconic films of all time. It's the look back we need and deserve right now, one that isn't afraid to critique through a modern lens while still appreciating its importance. General Leia would be proud. -- Courtney Enlow, pop culture writer, podcaster, USA Provides fascinating new perspectives. * Choice * Provocative. * Irish Tech News *
