Cecil B. DeMille: The Art of the Hollywood Epic

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Discover the artistry behind Hollywood’s grandest epics with Cecil B. De Mille: The Art of the Hollywood Epic. This hardbound edition offers an in-depth exploration of De Mille’s visionary filmmaking, featuring rich visuals and expert insights that celebrate his enduring legacy in cinema history.

Colossal. Stupendous. Epic. These adjectives, used by movie companies to hawk their wares, became clichélong ago. When used to describe the films of one director, they are accurate. More than any filmmaker in the history of the medium, Cecil B. DeMille mastered the art of the spectacle. In the process, he became a filmland founder. One hundred years ago, he made the first feature film ever shot in Hollywood and went on to become the most commercially successful producer-director in history.

DeMille told his cinematic tales with painterly, extravagant images. The parting of the Red Sea in The Ten Commandments was only one of these. There were train wrecks (The Greatest Show on Earth); orgies (Manslaughter); battles (The Buccaneer); Ancient Rome (The Sign of the Cross); Ancient Egypt (Cleopatra); and the Holy Land (The Crusades). The best of these images are showcased here, in Cecil B. DeMille: The Art of the Hollywood Epic.

This lavish volume opens the King Tut’s tomb of cinematic treasures that is the Cecil B. DeMille Archives, presenting storyboard art, concept paintings, and an array of photographic imagery. Historian Mark A. Vieira writes an illuminating text to accompany these scenes. Cecilia de Mille Presley relates her grandfather’s thoughts on his various films, and recalls her visits to his sets, including the Egyptian expedition to film The Ten Commandments.

Like the director’s works, Cecil B. DeMille: The Art of the Hollywood Epic is a panorama of magnificence-celebrating a legendary filmmaker and the remarkable history of Hollywood.

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Cecil B. De Mille: The Art of the Hollywood Epic is a distinguished hardbound volume that offers an immersive exploration into the visionary work of one of cinema’s most influential directors. This carefully curated book provides a comprehensive look at De Mille’s masterful storytelling and grand cinematic style, capturing the essence of Hollywood’s golden age through stunning visuals and detailed analysis. The elegant hardcover design makes it a timeless addition to any bookshelf, appealing to film enthusiasts, historians, and collectors alike. Within its pages, readers will discover the remarkable artistry behind De Mille’s epic films, including his innovative techniques, iconic scenes, and the cultural impact of his work. Richly illustrated with rare photographs, production stills, and behind-the-scenes insights, the book invites you to appreciate the scale and ambition that defined his filmmaking. This volume not only celebrates De Mille’s legacy but also serves as an inspiring resource for those interested in the history of cinema and the art of epic storytelling. Perfectly suited for study or leisurely reading, Cecil B. De Mille: The Art of the Hollywood Epic enhances everyday life by connecting readers to the grandeur and drama of classic Hollywood. It offers a meaningful way to engage with film history and artistic achievement, making it an essential companion for anyone passionate about the enduring influence of Hollywood’s epic narratives.