Contemporary Hollywood Masculinities

"Contemporary Hollywood Masculinities" offers a comprehensive analysis of the representation of masculinity in Hollywood films from 1992 to 2008. Authors Susanne Kord and Elisabeth Krimmer examine how various male archetypes – including police officers, killers, fathers, cowboys, superheroes, spies, soldiers, villains, lovers, and losers – are portrayed in popular blockbusters. This investigation takes place in the context of significant political events and social developments during the Clinton and Bush eras. Through the analysis of over sixty films, including well-known titles such as "The Matrix," "Iron Man," "Pirates of the Caribbean," and "The Lord of the Rings," it becomes clear that films not only provide entertainment but also serve as a mirror of societal and political reality. Themes such as consumer behavior, family values, and the war on terror are reflected and critically examined in these films.