The Hollywood War Film

The Hollywood War Film is an accessible introduction to the theory, history, stars, and major films constituting this vital genre. From untested young recruits and battle-hardened warriors to ferocious drill instructors and stereotypical enemies, this volume offers readers lively entry into the major conventions of the war film genre from Hollywood's earliest days to the current moment.

Combining broad historical and theoretical coverage of the genre with in-depth analysis of specific films, The Hollywood War Film includes discussions of conflicts in the Civil War, First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, Vietnam, and Iraq: Glory, All Quiet on the Western Front, Flags of our Fathers, Platoon, Full Metal Jacket, Courage under Fire, Jarhead, and The Manchurian Candidate, among others.