Hollywood and intimacy : Style, moments, magnificence

Abstract

Peacock’s text conveys a critical examination of close relationships in the movies of modern America. It explores in detail the contemporary Hollywood films that in differing ways identify aspects of intimacy. Some examples are: The Bridges of Madison County (Clint Eastwood), The Age of Innocence (Martin Scorsese), The Straight Story (David Lynch) and The Insider (Michael Mann). Within all these four films, there is a close relationship between the connections of characters, their surroundings, and types of film style. To decipher the messages in these films, the book demonstrates close readings, contrary to typical claims for contemporary Hollywood's large-scale indulgence and giving a new approach to understanding the big American film. This text is the first that addresses modern Hollywood's ability to make big films - with sweeping landscapes and grand musical scores – and brings the viewer closer to recognising the achievements of this genre.