Politics, Hollywood Style: American Politics in Film from Mr. Smith to Selma

Politics, Hollywood Style considers major films about the American political process from the 1930s through the 2010s. Grouped and considered historically, these films are analyzed for their portrayal of American politicians and the political system. It explores the ways that American politics is reflected in and affected by such films. For example, compromise is almost always portrayed as a mistake, and heroes often seek to redeem a corrupt political system. Films are categorized by main ways politics is depicted (e.g., cynically, idealistically, etc.). This book also considers the depiction of race and gender in these films as well as the ideological slant of the stories told. It looks for patterns and trends over time regarding the ways that American politics is portrayed.