The Films of Sam Peckinpah

About this book

A detailed look at both the films and the man. One of Americas most intriguing directors of Westerns and films of violence Peckinpah created a highly influential body of work including Ride the High Country Major Dundee The Wild Bunch Straw Dogs and The Getaway. Illustrated with 50 stills the book includes a biographical account of Peckinpah including his early years in television and a chronological examination of his films placed in the context of their production and critical reception. There are fascinating accounts of Peckinpahs approach to film direction and on-set behavior as well as of studio interference during editing. An analysis of the iconography of his films illuminates the directors recurring themes and preoccupations.