Movie Genres: Biopics in the 1990s–Revisionism of Popular Genre

Biopictures, one of Hollywood's most prestigious and popular genres, used to celebrate their heroes in a noble, uplifting manner. Though they were usually rise and fall (and often death) sagas, their goal was to inspire audiences, make them feel-good, even as they shed a tear or two at the end. But no more: The new biopictures (Immortal Beloved, Cobbb, Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle) all focus on personalities that are not sympathetic or inspirational.