Politics and Film examines popular movies and television shows as indicators of social and political trends to explore the political culture of the United States. Updated to include the popular and controversial movies and shows American Sniper, House of Cards, Orange Is the New Black, and Twelve Years a Slave, the second edition investigates popular conceptions of government, the military, intelligence and terrorism, punishment and policing, providing valuable insights for students of film and American politics alike.

Daniel P. Franklin is associate professor of political science at Georgia State University. His areas of specialization are American Chief Executives, budgeting and the legislative process. He is currently director of the Georgia Legislative Internship Program and a former Distinguished Honors Professor. He is the author of four books, numerous articles and reviews. His latest book, Pitiful Giants: Presidents in their Final Terms, is on the politics of presidential transitions from the perspective of leaving administrations.

Foreword to the Second Edition
Introduction
Feature Film: Fifty Shades of Grey

1. Movies, the Media, and American Tales
Feature Film: San Andreas
2. Industry and Bias: The Political Economy of Film
Feature Film: Furious 7
3. Who Makes 'Em and Who Watches 'Em
Feature Film: Avatar
4. Film Content: Cause or Effect?
Feature Film: Taxi Driver
5. Film Criticism: What Is a Bad Movie?
Feature Film: Up in the Air
6. Why They Don't Make Them Like They Used To
Feature Film: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
7. Movies, Censorship, and the Law
Feature Film: Spotlight

Conclusion
Feature Film: The Hateful Eight

Index