This is a detailed examination of vigilantism in 1970s American film, from its humble niche beginnings as a response to relaxing censorship laws to its growth into a unique subgenre of its own. Cary Edwards explores the contextual factors leading to this new cycle of films ranging from Joe (1970) and The French Connection (1971) to Dirty Harry (1971) and Taxi Driver (1976), all of which have been challenged by contemporary critics for their gratuitous, copycat-inspiring violence. Yet close analysis of these films reveals a recurring focus on the emerging moral panic of the 1970s, a problematisation of Law and Order's role in contemporary society, and an increasing awareness of the impossibility of American myths of identity.

Nicky is sick of the violence he sees while driving a cab in the city. On the night of his brother Simon's eighteenth birthday, a gang senselessly beat him to death, and Nicky hopes to find the men responsible. Nicky rescued Didi, a dancer, from two attackers, and they became friends as kindred spirits who both suffered a tragedy. But they have secrets. Didi's secret is a daughter, and Nicky's is that he is the Northbridge Vigilante who has killed men as they carried out violent crimes. Nicky's last victim was the brother of a drug dealer, Jimmy Mallory, head of a powerful biker gang. The city explodes with gang warfare, fighting to control the drugs and nightclubs because of the murder of Mallory's brother. The police are closing in on The Vigilante, but so is Mallory, who will stop at nothing to get revenge. Nicky has found the love of his life and finally someone to live for if only he can stay out of jail, and survive.

For many people, the cinematic vigilante has been shaped by Charles Bronson's character in Death Wish and its sequels. But screen vigilantes have taken many guises, from Old West lynch mobs and rogue police officers to rape-avengers and military-trained equalizers. This book recounts the varied representations of such characters in films like The Birth of a Nation, which celebrated the violence of the Ku Klux Klan, and Taxi Driver, Falling Down and You Were Never Really Here, in which the vigilante impulse was symptomatic of mental instability. Also considered is the extent to which fictional vigilantism functions as social commentary and to what degree it is simply stoking popular fears.

Frank Young is a man who keeps to himself, but after he loses family in two separate accidents and with the police not being able to find the people that caused the accidents, Frank takes matters into his own hands. After entering the military, Frank meets a weapons dealer, buys some untraceable revolvers and a silencer, and becomes a vigilante. He knows he’s violating the law, but even after becoming a policeman, he still continues the shootings. Along the way, he meets some people that need more help than he does and assists them in getting their lives back together. To his surprise, Frank finds out that a lot of people support what he’s doing and the path he has taken.

The Vigilante Taxi is a fast paced action crime thriller. It tells the story of two emotionally scarred people, night shift taxi driver Nicky and lap dancer Didi (Deidre) who find each other when he saves her from two rapists in an alley in the early hours of one morning. They are made for each other, having both suffered sadness and tragedy in their lives, but, can they survive Nicky's recent vocation as a taxi driving vigilante? He has killed five violent criminals and saved their victims and been lauded as a hero in the media. But the police, and a sadistic drug dealer seeking revenge, are closing in; the police want to stop him, and the drug dealer wants him dead

Whether it's the hum drum existence of Marion Crane and her illicit love affair, the psychotic antics of Norman Bates, the sudden irrational migration of birds, a crop duster swooping down on Roger Thornhill in the middle of nowhere, or Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace's unforgettable dance at Jack Rabbit Slim's - they are all cinematic moments that forever changed the psyche and viewing experience of American audiences. Bigger Than Blockbusters: Movies That Defined America tells the stories behind the most significant and influential films in American culture, movies that have had a profound influence on the literary, cinematic and popular culture of our time. Arranged chronologically, the volume gives readers an opportunity to place the films within the context of the social and cultural historic dynamic of the time, making this an ideal source for student papers and reports. Each entry includes the filmmaker, actors, release information, a synopsis of the film, critics' reviews, awards, current availability, and then background on the making of the film in an artistic, economic, and technological context. Spanning all genres, including horror and drama, adventure, comedy, musicals, science fiction, and more, this volume is loaded with enough trivia and factoids to satisfy even the most die-hard movie buff. Also included are other Greatest Films compilations from the National Society of Film Critics and noteworthy sources for comparative purposes. Guaranteed to inspire forays into film favorites as well as some very lively debate, this resource is essential reading for film lovers and students alike.

Fifty Contemporary Film Directors examines the work of some of today’s most popular and influential cinematic figures. It provides an accessible overview of each director’s contribution to cinema, incorporating a discussion of their career, major works and impact. Revised throughout and with twelve new entries, this second edition is an up-to-date introduction to some of the most prominent film makers of the present day. The directors, from differing backgrounds and working across a range of genres, include: Martin Scorsese Steven Spielberg Sofia Coppola Julie Dash Shane Meadow Michael Moore Peter Jackson Guillermo Del Toro Tim Burton Jackie Chan Ang Lee Pedro Almodóvar. With further reading and a filmography accompanying each entry, this comprehensive guide is indispensable to all those studying contemporary film and will appeal to anyone interested in the key individuals behind modern cinema’s greatest achievements.