The Depiction of Terrorists in Blockbuster Hollywood Films, 1980-2001

This book examines how American foreign policy and economic interests influenced the portrayal of international terrorism in Hollywood blockbuster films from the time of the Iran hostage crisis to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Part I defines modern international terrorism and how it relates to the United States, its news media, and its film industry. Part II covers depictions of terrorism during the waning Cold War, including films like ""Commando"" and ""Iron Eagle"". Part III covers the Hollywood terrorist after the Cold War, including European terrorists in the ""Die Hard"" franchise, ""Passenger 57"", ""Patriot Games"", ""Blown Away"", ""The Jackal and Ronin""; fundamentalist Islamic terrorists in ""True Lies"" and ""Executive Decision""; the return of the communist threat in ""Air Force One""; and 9/11 foreshadowing in ""The Siege"".