Manchester University Press
1 Introduction
Abstract
This introduction presents the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book combines mainly chronological coverage of all major stages of Carol Reed's career with special attention not only to the acknowledged masterpieces but also to films that deserve re-appraisal (e.g. Outcast of the Islands, Trapeze, Oliver!) . The marked patterns of his films, crime, foreign settings, parent-child relationships, seem to indicate, either a search for or a willingness to accept commissions for films concerned with loss, destabilised or marginalised characters, and difference and otherness. These are tendencies that led Raymond Durgnat to classify Reed as 'the most imposing pessimist' of the British cinema. Reed's exploitation of the resources of film language, as well as his handling of actors and actresses to draw out extraordinary performances from major stars.
Abstract
This introduction presents the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book combines mainly chronological coverage of all major stages of Carol Reed's career with special attention not only to the acknowledged masterpieces but also to films that deserve re-appraisal (e.g. Outcast of the Islands, Trapeze, Oliver!) . The marked patterns of his films, crime, foreign settings, parent-child relationships, seem to indicate, either a search for or a willingness to accept commissions for films concerned with loss, destabilised or marginalised characters, and difference and otherness. These are tendencies that led Raymond Durgnat to classify Reed as 'the most imposing pessimist' of the British cinema. Reed's exploitation of the resources of film language, as well as his handling of actors and actresses to draw out extraordinary performances from major stars.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- List of plates vi
- Series editors’ foreword vii
- Acknowledgements viii
- Dedication x
- 1 Introduction 1
- 2 Early days 8
- 3 The 1940s 30
- 4 Hearts of the matter 80
- 5 The 1950s and characters in-between 118
- 6 An Englishman abroad 136
- 7 The last hurrah 160
- 8 Conclusion 169
- Filmography 172
- References 186
- Index 194
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- List of plates vi
- Series editors’ foreword vii
- Acknowledgements viii
- Dedication x
- 1 Introduction 1
- 2 Early days 8
- 3 The 1940s 30
- 4 Hearts of the matter 80
- 5 The 1950s and characters in-between 118
- 6 An Englishman abroad 136
- 7 The last hurrah 160
- 8 Conclusion 169
- Filmography 172
- References 186
- Index 194
