The most comprehensive reference text of theoretical and historical
discourse on the biopic film The biopic, often viewed as the most
reviled of all film genres, traces its origins to the early silent
era over a century ago. Receiving little critical attention,
biopics are regularly dismissed as superficial, formulaic, and
disrespectful of history. Film critics, literary scholars and
historians tend to believe that biopics should be artistic, yet
accurate, true-to-life representations of their subjects.
Moviegoing audiences, however, do not seem to hold similar views;
biopics continue to be popular, commercially viable films. Even the
genre's most ardent detractors will admit that these films are
often very watchable, particularly due to the performance of the
lead actor. It is increasingly common for stars of biographical
films to garner critical praise and awards, driving a growing
interest in scholarship in the genre. A Companion to the Biopic is
the first global and authoritative reference on the subject.
Offering theoretical, historical, thematic, and performance-based
approaches, this unique volume brings together the work of top
scholars to discuss the coverage of the lives of authors,
politicians, royalty, criminals, and pop stars through the biopic
film. Chapters explore evolving attitudes and divergent
perspectives on the genre with topics such as the connections
between biopics and literary melodramas, the influence financial
concerns have on aesthetic, social, or moral principles, the merger
of historical narratives with Hollywood biographies, stereotypes
and criticisms of the biopic genre, and more. This volume: Provides
a systematic, in-depth analysis of the biopic and considers how the
choice of historical subject reflects contemporary issues Places
emphasis on films that portray race and gender issues Explores the
uneven boundaries of the genre by addressing what is and is not a
biopic as well as the ways in which films simultaneously embrace
and defy historical authenticity Examines the distinction between
reality and 'the real' in biographical films Offers a chronological
survey of biopics from the beginning of the 20th century A
Companion to the Biopic is a valuable resource for researchers,
scholars, and students of history, film studies, and English
literature, as well as those in disciplines that examine
interpretations of historical figures
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