Refocus: The Films of Kelly Reichardt - (Refocus: The American Directors) by E Dawn Hall (Paperback)

About the Book

In this close reading of her films and production methods, E. Dawn Hall defines Reichardt's auteur characteristics, arguing that she offers a contemporary and sustainable model for independent filmmakers in America.

Book Synopsis

Over her six-film career, including works like Old Joy, Meek's Cutoff and Certain Women, the independent filmmaker Kelly Reichardt has established a highly individual perspective on questions of gender, feminism, socioeconomics and sexual orientation, set within an aesthetic framework that is guided by the low-budget techniques of 'slow cinema', minimalism and neorealism. In this close reading of her films and production methods, E. Dawn Hall defines Reichardt's auteur characteristics, arguing that she offers a contemporary and sustainable model for independent filmmakers in America.

From the Back Cover

'E. Dawn Hall's study of Kelly Reichardt, one of the greatest contemporary American independent directors, is most warmly welcome. Eminently readable and teachable, with a wealth of useful information on each film's production, distribution and reception, Hall's survey is sure to make you want to see and re-see, and to see more of, Reichardt's richly rewarding films.' Christine Holmlund, University of Tennessee-Knoxville Over her multi-film career - which includes works such as Old Joy, Meek's Cutoff and Certain Women - the independent filmmaker Kelly Reichardt has established a highly individual perspective on questions of gender, feminism, socioeconomics and sexual orientation, set within an aesthetic framework that is guided by the low-budget techniques of 'slow cinema', minimalism and neorealism. In this close reading of her films and production methods, E. Dawn Hall defines Reichardt's auteur characteristics, arguing that she offers a contemporary and sustainable model for independent filmmakers in America. E. Dawn Hall is associate professor in the School of University Studies at Western Kentucky University. Cover image: Kelly Reichardt, 2008 (c) Oscilloscope Picture/Photofest Cover design: [EUP logo] edinburghuniversitypress.com ISBN 978-1-4744-1112-7 Barcode

Review Quotes

Dawn Hall's study of Kelly Reichardt, one of the greatest contemporary American independent directors, is most warmly welcome. Eminently readable and teachable, with a wealth of useful information on each film's production, distribution and reception, Hall's survey is sure to make you want to see and re-see, and to see more of, Reichardt's richly rewarding films.--Professor Christine Holmlund, University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Structured wonderfully and in a way that makes the chronological flow feel less rigid and more natural, The Films Of Kelly Reichardt is a thrilling and deeply important (and incredibly easy to read and fly right on through) meditation on a filmmaker whose import will be felt for years and generations to come.--Joshua Brunsting "CriterionCast"

About the Author

E. Dawn Hall is a professor in the English Department at Western Kentucky University.