Hollywood and the Holocaust
By (author) Henry Gonshak
Publication date:
16 October 2015Length of book:
368 pagesPublisher
Rowman & Littlefield PublishersISBN-13: 9781442252233
The Holocaust has been the focus of countless films in the United States, Great Britain, and Europe, and its treatment over the years has been the subject of considerable controversy. When finally permitted to portray the atrocities, filmmakers struggled with issues of fidelity to historical fact, depictions of graphic violence, and how to approach the complexities of the human condition on all sides of this horrific event.
In Hollywood and the Holocaust, Henry Gonshak explores portrayals of the Holocaust from the World War II era to the present. In chapters devoted to films ranging from The Great Dictator to InglouriousBasterds, this volume looks at how these films have shaped perceptions of the Shoah. The author also questions if Hollywood, given its commercialism, is capable of conveying the Holocaust in ways that do justice to its historical trauma. Through a careful consideration of over twenty-five films across genres—including Life Is Beautiful, Cabaret, The Reader, The Boys from Brazil, and Schindler’s List—this book provides an important look at the social, political, and cultural contexts in which these movies were produced.
By also engaging with the critical responses to these films and their role in the public’s ongoing fascination with the Holocaust, this book suggests that viewers take a closer look at how such films depict this dark period in world history. Hollywood and the Holocaust will be of interest to cultural critics, historians, and anyone interested in the cinema’s ability to render these tragic events on screen.
In Hollywood and the Holocaust, Henry Gonshak explores portrayals of the Holocaust from the World War II era to the present. In chapters devoted to films ranging from The Great Dictator to InglouriousBasterds, this volume looks at how these films have shaped perceptions of the Shoah. The author also questions if Hollywood, given its commercialism, is capable of conveying the Holocaust in ways that do justice to its historical trauma. Through a careful consideration of over twenty-five films across genres—including Life Is Beautiful, Cabaret, The Reader, The Boys from Brazil, and Schindler’s List—this book provides an important look at the social, political, and cultural contexts in which these movies were produced.
By also engaging with the critical responses to these films and their role in the public’s ongoing fascination with the Holocaust, this book suggests that viewers take a closer look at how such films depict this dark period in world history. Hollywood and the Holocaust will be of interest to cultural critics, historians, and anyone interested in the cinema’s ability to render these tragic events on screen.
Gonshak is responsible in debating his predecessor critics and eloquent in meditating on the ethical responsibilities of those who produce Hollywood films. Even though Gonshak is flexible in his aesthetics—comedy can work, historical accuracy is not necessarily required—most Hollywood films (which here include X-Men, 2000) do not have anything substantial to say about the Holocaust. Hollywood veers too often toward kitsch, and in his conclusion the author expresses the wish that Hollywood could learn from the more substantial Holocaust documentaries and fiction films produced in Europe. Insdorf discussed both Hollywood and European films, which ultimately makes for a more satisfying project. Yet Gonshak’s selection allows each film more depth, and he takes full advantage of this opportunity by staging one scrupulously crafted discussion after another.
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty.
Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty.