From the trenches of World War 1 to the Taliban in Afghanistan, this book covers a hundred years of war films with contributions by some of the world’s most distinguished film critics, academics and specialists. Each chapter covers a specific topic or conflict in relation to the war movie genre and discusses the wider social context, exploring related themes and issues of the day.
The contributing authors are all informed and well-respected journalists and academics in the world of cinema (such as Kim Newman, Julian Petley and James Mottram among many others) who bring an eclectic mix of experience, opinion and viewpoint to a range of fascinating war movie themes.
Featuring illustrations and posters from the Kobal Collection, Under Fire: A Century of War Movies is the most thorough and comprehensive book on war films to date and includes an exclusive foreword by Oscar-winning editor Mark Goldblatt who worked on Rambo: First Blood Part II, The Terminator, Starship Troopers and Armageddon. This intelligent and entertaining study of the war movie across an entire century is a melting pot of cinematic insight that will be enjoyed by serious historians of 20th century cinema as well as more general movie fans.
1. How did you go about assembling the eclectic list of contributors?
Two methods of attack: from existing writers and colleagues who I had known from previous projects and new authors whose experience and background suited Under Fire. For example, I have known Kim Newman for over ten years and he had contributed to my first book, Eaten Alive! – The Italian Cannibal and Zombie Movie that was published by Plexus in 2002. I have met others at film festivals and functions such as James Mottram, James Evans, Sean Hogan and Tom Dawson who have become firm friends and whose knowledge of cinema is without equal. However, I also wanted to concentrate on periods of war cinema that are often ignored such as the Korean War; hence Paul Edwards’ chapter ‘Missing in Action: Where was John Wayne?’ In this case Google is your friend. Having a hunch for experience and writing talent, I approached Edwards who happened to be the Senior Fellow at the Center for the Study of the Korean War at Graceland University. He also served in the conflict and was only too happy to take part for which I am eternally grateful. And the cherry on the cake was the foreword by Mark Goldblatt, the Oscar-nominated editor of Rambo: First Blood II and Starship Troopers. I have known Mark for years, has become a good friend and we share a common interest in violent Italian horror movies by the likes of Lucio Fulci, Dario Argento, Mario Bava and Sergio Martino. Everyone should see Suspiria and Zombi 2 at least once.
To read the full interview please click here
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