Richard Dyer Libros

David Fincher's Seven (1995) follows two detectives, David Mills (Brad Pitt) and William Somerset (Morgan Freeman), as they investigate a series of gruesome murders. One of the most acclaimed films of the 1990s, it explores themes of moral decay, human darkness, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Richard Dyer's study of the film, unpacks how its cinematography, sound, and plot combine to create a harrowing account of a world beset by an all-encompassing, irremediable wickedness. He explores the film in terms of sin, story, structure, seriality, sound, sight and salvation, analyzing how Seven both epitomizes and modifies the serial killer genre, which is such a feature of recent cinema. This new edition includes a new afterword by the author, re-assessing the film's lasting impact and influence over contemporary filmmaking aesthetics.

Brief Encounter (1945), adapted from Noel Coward's play Still Life, is a classic of British cinema – a tale of impossible love between a married woman and a man she meets while waiting for a train. Though it's a film made by men, it is the woman's voice we hear recounting the story of a small-town love affair and her renunciation of it. In his lucid analysis of the film, Richard Dyer explores how its depiction of powerful feelings kept under wraps is a definitive example of a particularly English style of emotional restraint, but also how it spoke to a gay audience for whom this subject – forbidden love between ordinary people – had a special resonance. This reissued edition features original cover artwork by Rania Moudaress and a substantial new foreword that revisits the film and recent readings of it, covering its enduring legacy and adaptation for theatre and television.

The second edition offers a comprehensive analysis of culture, exploring a wide range of topics from royalty to serial killers. Dyer delves into themes of political correctness and examines the influence of films, providing insights into the complexities of societal norms and behaviors. This edition enriches the discussion with updated perspectives, making it a thought-provoking read for those interested in cultural critique.

La dolce vita has been a phenomenon since before it was made, a scandal in the making and on release and a reference point ever since. This study will consider each of these aspects of the film - phenomenon, document, aesthetic - and argue that they are connected

Set against the backdrop of New York City, the narrative intertwines a fantasy adventure featuring three women embodying The Amazons in Central Park with poignant reflections on real-life female figures who have shaped the author’s journey. Richard Dyer explores themes of identity, empowerment, and the impact of women on personal growth, inviting readers to contemplate their own aspirations and influences.