Women vs Hollywood

A fascinating polemic * Sunday Times *A page-turning read, peppered with humour * Sight & Sound *Women vs Hollywood is encyclopaedic, illuminating and passionate all at once, and O’Hara’s erudition and love of film shine throughout * Sunday Independent *A must read – Edgar WrightWomen vs Hollywood is fascinating and righteous. The research is incredible, as is the storytelling. It’ll be a game changer for how the history of women in film is considered and told. The history is rich and deep and robust, but O’Hara also has such a precise point of view. An incredible piece of work that is as inspiring as it is informative – Terri White, editor-in-chief of Empire and author of Coming UndoneI will be quoting this liberally on Girls On Film - it’s an enlightening page-turner, stacked with stories and stats that will have your jaw on the floor. Thanks to O’Hara’s thorough research and sparkling writing, it works as an engaging alternative history of Hollywood as well as an important feminist film text and a call to action. I’d recommend it to any open-minded film lover, whether or not they identify as feminist - and who knows, they might do by the end – Anna Smith, film critic, broadcaster and host of the Girls On Film podcastHelen O’Hara exposes Hollywood’s dirty secrets and double standards in a fascinating-slash-infuriating story of the women who wanted to make movies and the men who held them back. This is the film history we need: one that gives leading roles to people who usually only get to be background players – Pamela Hutchinson, film historian and criticThe book is so well-written and researched - a fantastic read that beautifully celebrates women in Hollywood – Edith Bowman, broadcasterWomen have long been pushed to one side in Hollywood. This essential book puts them back where they belong: firmly in the spotlight. A celebration of their triumphs and clear-eyed recounting of their travails, it’s an incisive, eye-opening and riveting read. More than that, it’ll leave you itching with indignation and wanting to see a change to the status quo. A vital call to arms for a fairer, brighter future – Nick de Semlyen, film critic and author of Wild and Crazy GuysEssential reading for all serious film fans – James King, film critic and author of Fast Times and Excellent Adventures and Be More KeanuWomen Vs Hollywood is a powerful, sobering and vital work. Essential reading for anyone interested in the film business * The Mail on Sunday *This call to arms puts the spotlight back where it belongs: on the women who helped make Hollywood * Radio Times *

The stories of these pioneering women directors are well-researched and enthusiastically told here through archives,scholarship, and where possible, interviews with the women whose experiences are at the heart of this book … Women vs Hollywood is a great introduction to the fight women have on their hands if they want to work in the movies

Helen O’Hara has been working as a film journalist for over fifteen years, after qualifying as a barrister and immediately getting bored. She started her film writing career on the staff of Empire, the world’s biggest film magazine, and remains their editor-at-large and co-host of the Empire podcast, where she can be found weekly singing the praises of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and complaining about La La Land. She is also an author and freelance writer. Northern Irish born, O’Hara now lives in London, splitting her time between cinemas, libraries and coffee shops.

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