John Fair and David Chapman tell the story of how film-makers use and manipulate the appearance and performances of muscular men and women to enhance the appeal of their productions. The authors show how this practice, deeply rooted in western epistemological traditions, evolved from the art of photography through magic lantern and stage shows into the motion picture industry, arguing that the sight of muscles in action induced a higher degree of viewer entertainment. From Eugen Sandow to Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, muscular actors appear capable of performing the miraculous, and with the aid of stuntmen and filming contrivances, they do. By such means, muscles are used to perfect the art of illusion, inherent in movie-making from its earliest days.
- ISBN13 9780826222152
- Publish Date 16 November 2020
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint University of Missouri Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 426
- Language English