Seagalogy

Seagalogy: A Study of the Ass-Kicking Films of Steven Seagal is a book released in 2008 by Titan Books, ISBN 1-84576-927-9. It was written by Vern (no last name). It is the first in-depth study to be published on the complete creative output of Steven Seagal. The book makes a careful examination of every Steven Seagal film from 1988's Above the Law to 2008's Pistol Whipped, as well as providing reviews of some of Seagal's other output: his music, his appearances in commercials, and even his energy drink.[1][2] In 2012, an updated edition of the book was published, incorporating reviews from the intervening years including Seagal's work on the reality TV show Steven Seagal: Lawman.[3]

The book makes the argument that certain specific themes and motifs remain present throughout Seagal's filmography, laying the groundwork for an examination of the films using the auteur theory. Since auteur theory usually cites the film director as the source of a film's particular vision, Vern argues that Seagal's filmography represents an example of what he describes as the "badass auteur": typically an action star whose persona and interests recur throughout their filmography, regardless of director or other creative collaborators. Vern describes themes of CIA / government corruption, environmentalism, and adoption of foreign cultures as being examples of recurrent motifs in Seagal's films, among a variety of others. The first edition also breaks Seagal's career into four chronological "eras", marked by specific differences in style and content; the 2012 updated edition adds a fifth era.[4][5][6]

These chronological "eras" describe different phases of Seagal's career, and include the "Golden Era" (1988-1991), the period of Seagal's first successes, the "Silver Era" (1992-1997), during which Seagal saw the peak of his fame and made high-profile blockbusters, a "Transitional Period" (1998-2002) during which he made lower-profile or ensemble films, a lengthy "direct-to-video" period (his most prolific to date, 2003-2008) and, in the 2012 updated addition, a "Chief Seagal" period (2009–Present) during which Seagal moved into television and began reflecting elements of his Steven Seagal:Lawman persona in his films[7]

The book is notable for generally avoiding discussion of Seagal's personal life or career, and instead focusing almost exclusively on his artistic output. Biographical details (for instance, his legal issues with producer Julius R. Nasso) appear only in the context of discussing their possible impact on his artistic choices.[8]

References

  1. ↑ Fure, Robert (18 April 2012). "Steven Seagal's Entire Career in 12 Films: 'Seagalogy: The Ass-Kicking Films of Steven Seagal' Reviewed". filmschoolrejects.com. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  2. ↑ Crean, Evan (16 April 2012). "Book Report: Seagalogy". Starpulse. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  3. ↑ Vern (27 March 2012). "Outlawvern: Seagalogy: Updated and Expanded Edition". Outlaw Vern. Retrieved 10 March 2014.
  4. ↑ Seibold, Witney (11 April 2012). "Review: Seagalogy (Updated and Expanded Edition) A badass study of the badass films of Steven Seagal, treated like they were Shakespeare". Fixist. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  5. ↑ "Cool Ass Cinema Book Reviews: Bone Breaking, Ass Kicking Edition!". Cool Ass Cinema. 11 April 2012. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  6. ↑ Vigilla, Hubert (6 April 2012). "Book: Seagalogy (Updated and Expanded Edition)". Fixist. Retrieved 9 March 2014.
  7. ↑ Vern (3 April 2012). Seagalogy: The Ass-Kicking Films of Steven Seagal (New Updated Edition). Titan Books. pp. ii–iv. ISBN 978-0857687227.
  8. ↑ Clemens, Dr. Royce (23 May 2012). "Book Report: Seagalogy". www.geeksofdoom.com. Retrieved 9 March 2014.


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