Hollywood’s Artists: The Directors Guild of America and the Construction of Authorship (Film and Culture Series)

Uncover the fascinating history of the director as cinematic auteur with Virginia Wright Wexman's *Hollywood's Artists: The Directors Guild of America and the Construction of Authorship*. This insightful paperback, published by Columbia University Press, delves into the intriguing evolution of the director's role in Hollywood, revealing how the Directors Guild of America (DGA) shaped our perception of filmmakers as the primary artistic force behind a movie. Wexman's groundbreaking work, part of the esteemed *Film and Culture Series*, meticulously traces the DGA's influence, starting with Frank Capra's powerful mantra: "one man, one film." The book explores how the DGA strategically cultivated the image of its director-members as creators responsible for transforming Hollywood entertainment into true cinematic art. It's not just about artistic merit, though; *Hollywood's Artists* dissects the DGA's unique approach compared to other industry unions, highlighting its focus on status, creative control, and the pursuit of authorship rather than solely on traditional labor issues like wages and working conditions. More than a historical account, Wexman's analysis dissects the power dynamics at play. She reveals the DGA's persistent struggle for creative and legal authority, examining pivotal moments such as the evolution of on-screen credits, the impact of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) investigations on the film industry, and the ongoing debates surrounding director's cuts and artistic integrity. Discover how the Guild navigated these complex challenges while solidifying the director's position as the ultimate creative voice. A particularly compelling aspect of *Hollywood's Artists* is its examination of the gendered implications of the "great director" archetype. Wexman expertly unpacks how the DGA actively promoted the image of the director as a masculine hero, shaping cultural perceptions of leadership and creativity within the industry. This critical lens sheds light on the historical exclusion of women and other marginalized groups from positions of power and influence in Hollywood filmmaking. Based on extensive archival research, including original documents, insightful interviews with industry professionals, and informed by film theory and sociological perspectives, *Hollywood's Artists* offers a fresh and nuanced understanding of the DGA's impact on Hollywood. Its a captivating read for film students, scholars, cinephiles, and anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of the movie industry and the construction of artistic identity. Explore the power dynamics, the struggles for control, and the cultural forces that have shaped the role and image of the director, both within the Hollywood system and in the broader cultural landscape. Discover how the DGA's strategic actions transformed the way we see movies and the people who make them. This comprehensive study will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the complexities of filmmaking and the enduring influence of the Directors Guild of America. Don't miss the opportunity to delve into this essential contribution to film history and theory.