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In this comprehensive study of Rudolph's 16 films, Richard Ness explores the unique visual and aural characteristics of what he terms "the Rudolph universe." He categorizes Rudolph's work into personal films, such as Welcome to L.A. (1977) and Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, and his "director-for-hire" studio projects, notably Mortal Thoughts. Beginning with Rudolph's early directorial efforts and collaborations with mentor Robert Altman, Ness highlights recurring themes of identity and romantic fulfillment, emphasizing Rudolph's intricate visual composition and mise-en-scène. He examines how Rudolph adapts various genres to reflect his thematic interests, creating a distinctive environment even within familiar genres. Ness argues that Rudolph's films—whether in women's melodramas (Remember My Name), film noir (Trouble in Mind), westerns (Songwriter), political thrillers (Endangered Species), detective films (Love at Large), suspense dramas (Mortal Thoughts), or comedies (Choose Me and Roadie)—focus on the interactions of characters within formulaic situations, revealing deeper insights into human relationships and experiences.
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Twayne's Filmmakers Series: Alan Rudolph, Richard J. Van Ness
- Language
- Released
- 1996
- product-detail.submit-box.info.binding
- (Paperback)
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- Title
- Twayne's Filmmakers Series: Alan Rudolph
- Subtitle
- Romance and a Crazed World
- Language
- English
- Authors
- Richard J. Van Ness
- Publisher
- Macmillan Reference USA
- Released
- 1996
- Format
- Paperback
- Pages
- 216
- ISBN10
- 0805792473
- ISBN13
- 9780805792478
- Series
- Tags
- USA, Biographies, Performing Arts
- Description
- In this comprehensive study of Rudolph's 16 films, Richard Ness explores the unique visual and aural characteristics of what he terms "the Rudolph universe." He categorizes Rudolph's work into personal films, such as Welcome to L.A. (1977) and Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, and his "director-for-hire" studio projects, notably Mortal Thoughts. Beginning with Rudolph's early directorial efforts and collaborations with mentor Robert Altman, Ness highlights recurring themes of identity and romantic fulfillment, emphasizing Rudolph's intricate visual composition and mise-en-scène. He examines how Rudolph adapts various genres to reflect his thematic interests, creating a distinctive environment even within familiar genres. Ness argues that Rudolph's films—whether in women's melodramas (Remember My Name), film noir (Trouble in Mind), westerns (Songwriter), political thrillers (Endangered Species), detective films (Love at Large), suspense dramas (Mortal Thoughts), or comedies (Choose Me and Roadie)—focus on the interactions of characters within formulaic situations, revealing deeper insights into human relationships and experiences.