Working Girls

<p><em>Working Girls</em> investigates the thematic concerns of contemporary Hollywood cinema, and its ambivalent articulation of women as both active, and defined by sexual performance, asking whether new Hollywood cinema has responded to feminism and contemporary sexual identities. <br>Whether analysing the rise of films centred around female friendships, or the entrance of pop stars such as Whitney Houston and Madonna into film, <em>Working Girls</em> is an authoritative investigation of the presence of women both as film makers and actors in contemporary mainstream cinema.</p> CONTENTS: Introduction: Bad Girls and Working Girls in the `New Hollywood` PART ONE: Chapter One: Crossdressing, Aspiration and Transformation Chapter Two: Cowgirl Tales Chapter Three: Action Women: Muscles, Mothers and Others Chapter Four: Investigating Women: Work, Criminality and Sexuality Chapter Five: New Hollywood, New Film Noir and the Female Fatale Chapter Six: Female Friendship: Melodrama, Romance, Feminism PART TWO: PERFORMANCE AND PRODUCTION Chapter Seven: Comedy and Authority Chapter Eight: Music, Video, Cinema: Singers and Movie Stars Chapter Nine: Performers and Producers Notes and References Filmography Bibliography