Andrew Shail Books

Exploring the intersection of early British film and literature, this book argues that cinema significantly influenced the development of modernism. It analyzes the works of key literary figures such as Conrad, Joyce, Woolf, Yeats, and Eliot, highlighting how film reshaped concepts of language, time, collectivity, and individual identity. By situating literary modernism within the context of film culture, the study reveals the profound impact of cinematic innovations on literary expression and thought.

The book delves into the origins of film stardom in early 20th century Europe and North America, examining how economic factors influenced the establishment of a star system in the film industry. By building on Richard deCordova's work, it highlights the industry's shift towards character-based series films from 1908, illustrating how these fictional characters laid the groundwork for real-life film stars. The analysis reveals the functional equivalence between series characters and the emerging star system, showcasing the enduring impact of fictional personas on celebrity culture.

Drawing on a wide range of archival sources, Andrew Shail traces the emergence of film stardom in Europe and North America in the early 20th century. Modifying and supplementing Richard deCordova's account of the birth of the US star system, Shail describes the complex set of economic circumstances that led film studios and actors to consent to the adoption of a star system. He then explores the film industry's turn, from 1908, to making character-based series films. He details how these characters both prefigured and precipitated the star system, demonstrating that series characters and the 'firmament' of film stars are functionally equivalent, and shows how openly fictional characters still provide the model for 'real' film stars.