Gonthier (film studies and English, Keene State College, New Hampshire) offers a critical deconstruction of the formal, thematic, ideological and social elements represented by 12 American
films created during the past 70 years in which the bulk of the scenes occur in prison. The material is grouped thematically into chapters on topics such as gangsters in prison, exploited women
in prison, WWII POWs, reform schools, and prison film auteurs Stuart Rosenburg, Alan Parker, and Frank Darabont. Each chapter includes an overview of the topic and its relevance to film
history, followed by a brief critique and an analysis of a selected film. Suitable as a research and analysis text for students, teachers and writers, and as a reference for prison film
aficionados. Annotation 穢2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
