Latino Image Makers in Hollywood - by Frank Javier Garcia Berumen (Paperback)

About the Book

This book documents in-depth the historical and socio-economic factors that created Latino and Latina images and stereotypes, beginning with the conquest of the American continent by Europeans followed by colonization and the creation of new nation-states in the early 1800s. These concepts were incorporated into the popular literature of the 19th century and then into the infant motion picture art form in the 1890s.

Book Synopsis

Latinos have been part of the Hollywood film industry for more than 100 years, yet beyond the remarkable success of a few, their visibility and clout have generally not reflected their significance in American society. Worse, the Latino image has suffered from widespread stereotyping in film, and performers face unjustified constraints in the kinds of roles available to them.

Decade by decade from 1960 onward, this book analyzes important films made by or about Latinos, details the careers of Latino performers and filmmakers of the time, and analyzes how film portrayals of Latino characters and subjects connect with political and social trends of each decade. It discusses the role of gender, social class, and ethnicity in film portrayals and provides an overview of the diverse and dynamic Latino community in the United States, while celebrating a substantial and enduring contribution to Hollywood film history.

Review Quotes

"recommended"-Choice; "highly recommended."-ARBA.

About the Author

Educator and writer Frank Javier Garcia Berumen lives in Los Angeles, California.