Film and the Classical Epic Tradition

This insightful analysis bridges millennia by tracing how contemporary cinema channels the spirit of classical epic poetry, from Homer and Virgil to the modern silver screen. Joanna Paul meticulously examines films set in the ancient world, arguing they are not mere adaptations but a genuine continuation of the epic tradition, inheriting its grand themes of heroism, fate, and monumental struggle. The book carefully considers how the defining characteristics of the epic genre—vast scale, divine intervention, and national foundational myths—manifest within the language of film. It compellingly demonstrates that cinema has become a modern vehicle for this ancient narrative form, making a powerful claim for the enduring cultural relevance of these stories.

Paul’s work stands out by moving beyond simple comparison to explore a deeper, more symbiotic relationship between the old and the new, revealing how directors like Cecil B. DeMille or Ridley Scott are the modern equivalents of epic poets. This book will profoundly resonate with film students seeking a deeper theoretical framework for understanding historical epics, as well as classicists curious about the afterlife of their subject in popular culture. By illuminating the shared DNA between a Greek poem and a Hollywood blockbuster, it enriches our appreciation for both, ultimately revealing why these monumental tales of the past continue to captivate us.