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Melodrama As Provocateur

By Linda Williams
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Brief Description
As one of the most influential contemporary film scholars, Linda Williams brought her critical feminist lens to some of society’s most maligned and underappreciated film genres. Melodrama as Provocateur showcases what was to be Williams's last project in which, insisting on melodrama as a cross-generic, cross-media... Read More
Format: Hardback
$34751

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Melodrama as Provocateur showcases the final project of influential film scholar Linda Williams, along with responses to her work by a diverse collection of scholars. Together, these writings dig into the past, present, and future of melodrama's prominence in contemporary media and politics.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

As one of the most influential contemporary film scholars, Linda Williams brought her critical feminist lens to some of society’s most maligned and underappreciated film genres. Melodrama as Provocateur showcases what was to be Williams's last project in which, insisting on melodrama as a cross-generic, cross-media mode, she investigates the divergence between French and American attitudes to film melodrama.

A diverse group of scholars respond to her provocations, rethinking melodrama’s transnational, transmedia histories and potential futures. Their contributions examine how melodrama became, as Williams argues, the default mode of contemporary media, and demonstrate how it plays an increasingly powerful role in public discourse and political rhetoric today.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781478033691

Publisher: Duke University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 14 April 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: Duke University Press

Illustration: 28 illustrations

Contributors:

  • Edited by Christine Gledhill
  • Edited by Laura Horak
  • Edited by Elisabeth R. Anker

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 630g

Pages: 342

Collections

Arts & Culture Education & Reference Linda Williams Non-Fiction

About the Author

Linda Williams (1946–2025) was Professor of Film Studies and Rhetoric at the University of California, Berkeley. She authored and edited several books, including Screening Sex and Playing the Race Card. She received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the British Association of Film, Television and Screen Studies.

Christine Gledhill is Visiting Professor of Cinema Studies at the University of Leeds.

Laura Horak is Professor of Film Studies at Carleton University.

Elisabeth R. Anker is Professor of American Studies and Political Science and Director of Film Studies at The George Washington University.

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