Contemporary Cinema and 'Old Age': Gender and the Silvering of Stardom

This book is the first to explore æold ageÆ in cinema at the intersection of gender, ageing, celebrity and genre studies. It takes its cue from the dual meanings of æsilveringÆ û economics and ageing û and explores shifting formulations of æold ageÆ and gender in contemporary cinema. Broad in its scope, the book establishes the importance of silver audiences to the survival of cinema exhibition while also forging connections between the pleasures of æold ageÆ films, consumer culture, the æeconomy of celebrityÆ and the gendered silvering of stardom. The chapters examine gendered genres such as romantic comedies, action and heist movies, the prosthetics of costume, and CGI enabled age transformations. Through this analysis, Josephine Dolan teases out the different meanings of ageing masculinity and femininity offered in contemporary cinema. She identifies ageing femininity as the pathologised target of rejuvenation while masculine ageing is seen to enhance an enduring youthfulness. This book has interdisciplinary appeal and will engage scholars interested in æold ageÆ and gender representations in contemporary cinema.

• | Author: Josephine Dolan
• | Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• | Publication Date: Mar 11, 2018
• | Number of Pages: 267 pages
• | Language: English
• | Binding: Hardcover/Performing Arts
• | ISBN-10: 1137584017
• | ISBN-13: 9781137584014