Celluloid Nationalism and Other Melodramas: From Post-Revolutionary Mexico to Fin De Siglo Mexamerica

Exploring the works of Mexican and American female movie directors such as Matilde Landeta, Allison Anders, and Marcela Fern獺ndez Violante, Dever (media arts, U. of New Mexico) examines the melodrama as a site of national and political identity construction in times of crisis, juxtaposing post-revolutionary Mexico with its "satellite city," Los Angeles after the mid-1990s urban rebellion. She considers how the directors portray issues of national belonging and citizenship, the moral authority (or lack thereof) of those who govern, and the legitimacy of power. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)