In the Space of a Song ─ The Uses of Song in Film

Songs take up space and time in films. Richard Dyer's In the Space of a Song takes off from this perception, arguing that the way songs take up space indicates a great deal about the songs themselves, the nature of the feelings they present, and who is allowed to present feelings how, when and where. In the Space of a Song explores this perception through a range of examples, from classic MGM musicals to blaxploitation cinema, with the career of Lena Horne providing a turning point in the cultural dynamics of the feeling.

Chapters include:

• The perfection of Meet Me in St. Louis
• A Star Is Born and the construction of authenticity
• ‘I seem to find the happiness I seek’: Heterosexuality and dance in the musical
• The space of happiness in the musical
• Singing prettily: Lena Horne in Hollywood
• Is Car Wash a musical?
• Music and presence in blaxploitation cinema

In the Space of a Song is ideal for both scholars and students of film studies.

Richard Dyer studied French at the University of St. Andrews and Cultural Studies in Birmingham and he is currently Professor in Film Studies at King’s College London. His books include Nino Rota: Film, Music and Feeling (2010), Pastiche (2006), Heavenly Bodies (2nd edition 2004), Now You See It (2nd edition 2003), Only Entertainment (2nd edition, 2002), The Matter of Images (2nd edition 2002), The Culture of Queers (2002), Seven (1999), Stars (2nd edition 1998), White (1997) and Brief Encounter (1993).