Using the Force
Creativity, Community and Star Wars Fans
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:1st Apr '02
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This book explores the intense fandom surrounding Star Wars, revealing its significant influence on fans' social and cultural lives, including insights from Simon Pegg.
In Using the Force, the author delves into the profound impact of the Star Wars phenomenon from the perspective of its devoted audience. This exploration reveals how the saga shapes the social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of its fans' lives. Through insightful analysis, the book uncovers the myriad ways in which individuals creatively engage with the mythos of Star Wars, illustrating the franchise's far-reaching influence on popular culture.
The narrative is enriched by a comprehensive interview with Simon Pegg, co-creator of the beloved sitcom 'Spaced.' Pegg shares his personal experiences as a fan and discusses how the Star Wars universe has inspired his work and creativity. This unique perspective adds depth to the study, providing readers with a glimpse into the life of a prominent figure who has been profoundly affected by the saga.
Using the Force is not just an academic examination; it is a celebration of fandom itself. By highlighting the emotional connections that fans develop with the story and characters, the book illustrates the power of storytelling in shaping identities and communities. It invites readers to reflect on their own relationships with the narratives that resonate deeply within them, making it a compelling read for both scholars and casual fans alike.
"This is a wonderful book. Will Brooker provides a wealth of badly-needed evidence, which will be of great use to anyone interested in ongoing debates about the relation between cultural production and consumption, the place of media in identity formation, and the ways in which meanings are produced from texts. The book is intelligent and informed, and is supremely careful only to make claims which are supported by the evidence it presents. It shows that it is not only possible, but vitally important, for academics to have a detailed knowledge of the texts and communities they are writing about, if they are to provide reasonable analyses of the ways in which they function. Above all, this book is beautifully written, and extremely readable."--Alan McKee, Continuum: Journal of Media and Cultural Studies
"Timely and provocative....enthusiastically written....In 10 well-crafted chapters, Brooker manages to capture the original excitement surrounding the film's 1977 premiere while dissecting how and why the enthusiasm endures....Brooker's clear prose sings....[his] obvious dedication to his project makes Using the Force a must for fans and a necessary read for students of pop culture."--The Austin Chronicle
"...both readable and informative...There is a lot for the Maul fan here"--Darth Maul Estrogen Brigade 2, 9/12/02
ISBN: 9780826452870
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 580g
288 pages