Columbo: Paying Attention 24/7

David Martin-Jones

Published by Edinburgh University Press 2022

Columbo

Paying Attention 24/7

David Martin-Jones

https://doi.org/10.1515/9781474479813

Overview
Contents

About this book

Offers a unique analysis of globally iconic and cult favourite television show, Columbo

Adds a televisual dimension to multi-disciplinary exploration of the historical channelling of attention
Considers Columbo alongside contemporaries like The Rockford Files, Kojak, McCloud, Banacek, McMillan & Wife, Cannon, Barnaby Jones, Streets of San Francisco, Hec Ramsey
Sheds new light on contemporary shows like The Purge, Bosch, Mindhunter, Elementary, Sherlock, The Man in the High Castle, Mad Men, Game of Thrones

Columbo is fifty years old. A global smash in the 1970s, it is now a cult TV favourite. What is the reason for this enduring popularity? In this fascinating exploration of a television classic, David Martin-Jones argues that Columbo reveals how our current globalized world – of 24/7 capital, invasive surveillance and online labour – emerged in the late 20th century. Exploring everything from the influences on Falk’s iconic acting style to the show’s depiction of Los Angeles, Martin-Jones illuminates how our attention is channelled, via technologies like television and computers, to influence how we perform, learn, police and locate ourselves in today’s world. Columbo emerged alongside shows like Kojak and The Rockford Files, but re-viewing the series today reveals how contemporary television hits – from Elementary to The Purge – continue to shape how and why we pay attention 24/7.

Topics

Frontmatter Publicly Available Download PDF	i
Contents Publicly Available Download PDF	v
List of Figures Publicly Available Download PDF	vi
Acknowledgements Publicly Available Download PDF	vii
Introduction: Fifty Years of Columbo Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	1
1. Blueprint for Murder Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	17
2. Pay Strict Attention Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	57
3. Performing: Falk Acts/Columbo Pays Attention Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	87
4. Learning: Columbo vs Modernity Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	121
5. Policing: Not Class, History Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	147
6. Locating: Bare Life in LA Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	177
Conclusion: Paying Attention 24/7 Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	202
Bibliography Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	218
Index Requires Authentication Unlicensed Licensed Download PDF	232

(Deutsch)

Language: English
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
Audience: College/higher education;
Pages
- Main content: 248
Illustrations
- Other: 20 B/W illustrations
Keywords: Film, Media & Cultural Studies

eBook

Published: April 21, 2022
ISBN: 9781474479813