Ms. 45 | Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

This book provides a comprehensive look at Abel Ferrara's 1981 film Ms. 45. Chronologically structured, beginning with the film's creation, then diving into the film scene by scene, and ending with the film's reception and cultural legacy, it delivers an accessible and exhaustive overview for anyone interested in diving a little deeper on this gem.

Author Heller-Nicholas presents primary sources, like star Zoë Lund's own writing and interviews with Ferrara, but also extensively cites other people's writing on this and other rape-revenge films, providing ample avenue for the interested reader to chase down sources and explore further—or not, if this book is enough. I highly recommend the movie if you haven't seen it yet, and this book is a decent chaser to unlock a little more of its charm.

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