About the book
Interdisciplinary star study of one of the most iconic Hollywood celebrities of the last thirty-five years.Starring Tom CruiseThe volume is divided into three parts. Part 1 explores the ways that Cruise's star image and performances are built on a desiring gaze, nearly always complicated by perverse narrative arcs and liminal character relationships. This section also explores the complex and contradictory ways he embodies masculinity and heterosexuality. Part 2 places Cruise within the codes and conventions of genre filmmaking and the way they intersect with the star vehicle. Cruise becomes monomythical, heroic, authentic, and romantic, and at the same time, he struggles to hold these formulas and ideologies together. Part 3 views Cruise as both an ageless totemic figure of masculinity who does his own stunts, as well as an aging star—his body both the conduit for eternally youthful masculinity and a signifier of that which must ultimately fail. These readings are connected to wider discursive issues concerning his private and public life, including the familial/patriarchal roles he takes on.Scholars writing for this collection approach the Cruise star image through various vectors and frames, which are revelatory in nature. As such, they not only demonstrate the very best traditions of close \"star\" textual analysis but also move the approach to the star forward. Students, scholars, and readers of film, media, and celebrity studies will enjoy this deep dive into a complex Hollywood figure.
Editions of Starring Tom Cruise
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780814347171
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780814347188
- EBook
- ISBN 9780814347195
Read an Excerpt
Interdisciplinary star study of one of the most iconic Hollywood celebrities of the last thirty-five years.Starring Tom CruiseThe volume is divided into three parts. Part 1 explores the ways that Cruise's star image and performances are built on a desiring gaze, nearly always complicated by perverse narrative arcs and liminal character relationships. This section also explores the complex and contradictory ways he embodies masculinity and heterosexuality. Part 2 places Cruise within the codes and conventions of genre filmmaking and the way they intersect with the star vehicle. Cruise becomes monomythical, heroic, authentic, and romantic, and at the same time, he struggles to hold these formulas and ideologies together. Part 3 views Cruise as both an ageless totemic figure of masculinity who does his own stunts, as well as an aging star—his body both the conduit for eternally youthful masculinity and a signifier of that which must ultimately fail. These readings are connected to wider discursive issues concerning his private and public life, including the familial/patriarchal roles he takes on.Scholars writing for this collection approach the Cruise star image through various vectors and frames, which are revelatory in nature. As such, they not only demonstrate the very best traditions of close \"star\" textual analysis but also move the approach to the star forward. Students, scholars, and readers of film, media, and celebrity studies will enjoy this deep dive into a complex Hollywood figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Starring Tom Cruise about?
Interdisciplinary star study of one of the most iconic Hollywood celebrities of the last thirty-five years.Starring Tom CruiseThe volume is divided into three parts. Part 1 explores the ways that Cruise's star image and performances are built on a desiring gaze, nearly always complicated by perverse narrative arcs and liminal character relationships. This section also explores the complex and contradictory ways he embodies masculinity and heterosexuality. Part 2 places Cruise within the codes and conventions of genre filmmaking and the way they intersect with the star vehicle. Cruise becomes monomythical, heroic, authentic, and romantic, and at the same time, he struggles to hold these formulas and ideologies together. Part 3 views Cruise as both an ageless totemic figure of masculinity who does his own stunts, as well as an aging star—his body both the conduit for eternally youthful masculinity and a signifier of that which must ultimately fail. These readings are connected to wider discursive issues concerning his private and public life, including the familial/patriarchal roles he takes on.Scholars writing for this collection approach the Cruise star image through various vectors and frames, which are revelatory in nature. As such, they not only demonstrate the very best traditions of close \"star\" textual analysis but also move the approach to the star forward. Students, scholars, and readers of film, media, and celebrity studies will enjoy this deep dive into a complex Hollywood figure.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Starring Tom Cruise?
The Arts > Performing arts > Theatre studies > Acting techniques
Where can I read a sample of Starring Tom Cruise?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780814347171
Is Starring Tom Cruise part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Contemporary Approaches to Film and Media
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Starring Tom Cruise?
WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Starring Tom Cruise is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780814347171) and paperback(ISBN 9780814347188) and ebook(ISBN 9780814347195)
Where can I buy Starring Tom Cruise online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Starring Tom Cruise from below
Where can I buy Starring Tom Cruise?