Argues that a study of adaptation affects the view of Douglas Sirk as a creator of social critique. Proposes interventions into adaptation studies and critical response to Sirk by attending to multiple activations of "All That Heaven Allows." Demonstrates the importance of the archaeology of film studies criticism to an understanding of…

Discusses the value to film studies of a 1971 publication, "The World Viewed," a serious study of film which was not well received by the field and whose usefulness is still almost unknown. Finds that the author, Stanley Cavell, endeavors to find words of a common language and that his writings exemplify the importance of intuition and…

Argues that a postmodern theory of identity (i.e., the subject as coherent, integrated, discoverable self is a fiction of modernity) links Martin Scorsese's major films. Examines "Taxi Driver,""Raging Bull," and "King of Comedy." Concludes that these films articulate a major cultural shift and chronicle a…