American Film Now: The People, The Power, The Money, The Movies

American Film Now examines the state of Hollywood and American cinema in the 1970s, tracking the major shifts in filmmaking during this transformative decade. Monaco provides an in-depth analysis of the business, artistic, and technological forces reshaping the film industry. The book combines detailed studio profiles with discussions of key directors, producers, and executives who wielded power during this period. Through interviews and research, Monaco traces how corporate takeovers, blockbuster economics, and changing audience tastes impacted creative decisions and industry practices. Monaco's industry examination extends beyond the major studios to include the rise of independent filmmaking and regional cinema movements. His explorations of film financing, distribution models, and exhibition practices reveal the economic realities facing filmmakers at every level. The work stands as both a snapshot of a pivotal era in American film and an early warning about the increasingly commercial pressures that would come to dominate Hollywood. Monaco's analysis highlights the tension between art and commerce that continues to define American cinema.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of James Monaco's overall work: Readers appreciate Monaco's clear explanations of complex film concepts in "How to Read a Film," with many noting its value as both an academic resource and general guide. Students and film enthusiasts point to his detailed technical breakdowns and historical context as particularly helpful. One Amazon reader wrote: "Monaco explains difficult concepts without dumbing them down." The book's comprehensive coverage draws positive comments, though some readers find the dense information overwhelming. Multiple reviews mention the text's occasional academic dryness. A Goodreads reviewer noted: "Important information but can be a slog to get through." Some criticize the dated nature of older editions, particularly regarding digital technology sections. Several readers suggest the book needs more visual examples to illustrate key points. Ratings across platforms: Amazon: 4.5/5 (312 reviews) Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,891 ratings) Note: Most online reviews focus on "How to Read a Film," with limited reader feedback available for Monaco's other works.

The Big Picture by Edward Jay Epstein A detailed examination of the modern film industry's corporate structure, financial operations, and decision-making processes from 1980-2000.

Down and Dirty Pictures by Peter Biskind Chronicles the rise of independent film through Miramax and Sundance in the 1990s, revealing the business strategies and power dynamics that shaped modern American cinema.

The Movie Business Book by Jason E. Squire A comprehensive analysis of film industry operations, including production, distribution, exhibition, and the impact of emerging technologies on the business.

Hollywood Economics by Arthur De Vany Statistical analysis of box office performance patterns and business models in the American film industry from 1984-1996.

The Big Picture: The New Logic of Money and Power in Hollywood by Edward Jay Epstein Explains the transformation of the film industry from a movie business to a complex web of media corporations and profit centers beyond theatrical release.

🎬 Published in 1979, this book captured a pivotal moment in Hollywood's transformation from the studio system to the blockbuster era 📚 James Monaco went on to write "How to Read a Film," which became one of the most widely-used film studies textbooks in universities worldwide 🎥 The book examines the rise of independent filmmakers like Francis Ford Coppola and Martin Scorsese, who were reshaping American cinema in the 1970s 💰 It was one of the first books to seriously analyze the business side of Hollywood alongside artistic developments, showing how financial changes were affecting creative decisions 🌟 The period covered in the book (the 1970s) is now considered by many film historians to be the last "golden age" of American cinema, featuring groundbreaking films like The Godfather, Taxi Driver, and Chinatown