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The Red Shoes
Series: BFI Film Classics
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The Red Shoes
$2999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
This book is ideal for fans of classic cinema, ballet enthusiasts, and readers interested in film studies, gender studies, and the arts. It appeals to those who appreciate detailed analysis of filmmaking techniques and cultural impact, especially admirers of Powell and Pressburger’s work.
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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
Endlessly fascinating, dark and bright, The Red Shoes (1948) employs every branch of the cinematic arts to sweep the audience off its feet, invigorated by the transcendence of art itself, only to leave them with troubling questions. Representing the climax of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's celebrated run of six exceptional feature films, the film remains a beloved, if unsettling and often divisive, classic.
Pamela Hutchinson's study of the film examines its breathtaking use of Technicolor, music, choreography, editing and art direction at the zenith of Powell and Pressburger’s capacity for ‘composed cinema’. Through a close reading of key scenes, particularly the film's famous extended ballet sequence, she considers the unconventional use of ballet as uncanny spectacle and the feminist implications of the central story of female sacrifice.
Hutchinson goes on to consider the film's lasting and wide-reaching influence, tracing its impact on the film musical genre and horror cinema, with filmmakers such as Joanna Hogg, Sally Potter, Martin Scorsese and Brian De Palma having cited the film as an inspiration.
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Critics praise Hutchinson's work for its expert insight and enthusiastic tone. Hannah McGill from Sight & Sound highlights the balance of expansiveness and economy, while Kevin Harley of Total Film commends the book for its comprehensive analysis and queer readings. Donald Clarke from The Irish Times calls it unmissable, noting the film’s witty exploration of themes. The book is recommended for its rich history, anecdotes, and fresh perspectives that deepen appreciation of the classic film.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781839026065
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 05 October 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: BFI Publishing
Illustration: 60 colour illus
Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 14.0mm
Width: 136.0mm
Height: 190.0mm
Weight: 180g
Pages: 112
About the Author
Pamela Hutchinson is a writer, critic, film historian and curator based in the UK. Her previous publications include Pandora's Box (British Film Institute, 2020) and 30-Second Cinema (2019). She writes on early and silent film for Sight and Sound (including a monthly column), Criterion, Indicator, the Guardian, the Independent, the Financial Times, Empire and Little White Lies.
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