Classics on Screen: Ancient Greece and Rome on Film

by Alastair A.L. Blanshard, Kim Shahabudin

Cinema loves Greece and Rome. Hollywood epics, animated movies, avant-garde features - all have turned to classical antiquity for inspiration. On the silver screen, we see a world of virtuous Christians, depraved pagans, gladiators, charioteers, Spartan warriors, and muscle-bound demigods - a potent mix of sex, violence and art. So pervasive are these images that this cinematic output dominates the public understanding of the ancient world. Through analysis of ten influential films, this book examines the representation of Greece and Rome in both popular and art-house cinema, arranged by cinematic genre. Key scenes are discussed and each film is located in its historical context.

Genres: History

224 pages, Paperback

First published December 15, 2011

Reviews

[Triona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent analysis of Antiquity in cinema. If I have any criticism, it’s that there are no footnotes, and also there is no conclusion laying out the conclusions and tying them together. Otherwise an excellent example of reception studies

[Jennifer Machin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐