Not Hollywood: Independent Film at the Twilight of the American Dream

by Sherry B. Ortner

The pioneering anthropologist Sherry B. Ortner combines her trademark ethnographic expertise with critical film interpretation to explore the independent film scene in New York and Los Angeles since the late 1980s. Not Hollywood is both a study of the lived experience of that scene, and a critical examination of America as seen through the lenses of independent filmmakers. Based on interviews with scores of directors and producers, Ortner reveals the culture and practices of indie filmmaking, including the conviction of those involved that their films, unlike Hollywood movies, are “telling the truth” about American life. The films often illuminate the dark side of American society through narratives about the family, the economy, and politics in today’s neoliberal era. Offering insightful interpretations of many of these films, Ortner argues that during the past three decades independent American cinema has functioned as a vital form of cultural critique.

Genres: Art

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 5, 2013

Reviews

[Iryna Kupchynska]

Cultural critique of the cultural critique, book is a brilliant account of the Independent filmmaking as a reflection and symptom of the negative effects of the neoliberal market policies on American society. However, the book is not just about that, but an immersive observation of the indie scene, with its relations and realities.

[University of Chicago Magazine]

Sherry B. Ortner, AM'66, PhD'70
Author

From our pages (May–June/13): The independent film world thinks of itself as telling the truth, combating the lies and falseness of Hollywood movies, says Sherry B. Ortner. Gradually these films have gained popularity, forming a viable niche market. Through analysis of independent works—L.I.E., Slacker, Thirteen—Ortner argues that during the past three decades such movies have functioned as an important form of cultural critique.

[Nat]

Not too long but very thorough