This book examines performances in the American film industrys highest-earning and most influential films. Countering decades of discourse and the conventional notion that special effects are the real stars of Hollywood blockbusters, this book finds that the acting performances in these big-budget action movies are actually better, and more genre-appropriate, than reputed. It argues that while blockbusters are often edited for speed, thrills, and simplicity, and performances are sometimes tailored to this style, most major productions feature more scenes of stage-like acting than hyper-kinetic action. Knowing this, producers of the worlds highest-budgeted motion pictures usually cast strong or generically appropriate actors. With chapters offering unique readings of some of cinemas biggest hits, such asThe Dark Knight, Pirates of the Caribbean,Star Wars,Iron Man andThe Hunger Games, this unprecedented study sheds new light on the importance ofperformance in the Hollywood blockbuster. 

Daniel Smith-Rowsey teaches Communication Studies at St. Marys College in Moraga, California. He is the author ofStar Actors in the Hollywood Renaissance: Representing Rough Rebels (2013) and a co-editor ofThe Netflix Effect: Technology and Entertainment in the 21st Century (2016).

1. Introduction: Why Do Critics and Scholars Dismiss Blockbuster Performances?.- 2. Historical Epic Blockbusters: Are You Not EntertainedBy Actors?.- 3. Magic Fantasy Blockbusters: One Whimsy to Rule Them All.- 4. Superhero Blockbusters: Actors Ahead of the Curve.- 5. Crime Action Blockbusters: Performing Shaken, Not Stirred.- 6. Male-Led Science Fiction Blockbusters: Performing Faster, More Intense.- 7. Female-Led Science Fiction Blockbusters: Performing Stop Taking My Hand!.- 8. Conclusion: Once More Around the Blockbuster.