"An exciting long view of American film, given with generous and honest political insight. A tribute to Gary Crowdus's experience as Editor of Cineaste magazine. Our faults are revealed with compassion. I learned."
—Oliver Stone

"From Stone, Oliver to Wayne, John—an eye-opening look at the political implications of American movies. The book is most surprising in its analysis of such 'non-political' figures as Steven Spielberg, Terry Gilliam and Brian de Palma."
—Roger Ebert

"A wonderfully provocative collection that covers not only an impressive range of topics but which also can serve as an introduction to the many ways to write about film in relationship to history, politics and society."
—Richard Peña, Program Director, Film Society of Lincoln Center

"Gary Crowdus, editor of our leading journal on politics and film, has brought forth a superb collection. In well-researched and forceful essays, the best-known scholars in the field explore the political dimensions of American cinema—the films, the movements, the people, the events—with a depth and breadth unmatched in any prior volume. Anyone interested in the history of American film will find this work indispensable."
—Robert A. Rosenstone, Prof. of History, California Institute of Technology, Contributing Editor for film, American Historical Review

"The Political Companion...helps to wake us up from our celluloid dreams. It lets us know that what is on the screen has meaning, and that there is something there to think and talk about. The book is also appealing because of its accessibility. While the contributors are top writers and critics, their style is easy and very readable. This book should attract both scholars and the average moviebuff."
—Anthony Gittens, Director, Washington, D.C., International Film Festival; Director, Black Film Institute of the University of the District of Columbia