Making Sense of Ultra-Realism offers readers a unique insight into one of the most significant theoretical advances in 21st century criminology. Drawing upon popular films and television series, including Game of Thrones, Avengers, Pirates of the Caribbean, Fight Club and more, each chapter tackles a particular aspect of ultra-realism. By connecting visual texts to theoretical ideas, the authors help to contextualise and clarify core elements of the ultra-realist school of thought, providing a theoretically rich yet accessible introduction to the topic. Often wrongly viewed as opaque and impenetrable, this concise text demonstrates that ultra-realism is anything but that.
Written in a clear and accessible manner, and supported by valuable student insights, this book is ideal for those coming to the subject for the first time. This timely addition to a cutting-edge field is undoubtedly a 'must read' on the reading lists of a number of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as a helpful resource for experienced academics in the fields of criminology, social policy, politics, psychology, philosophy, and sociology.
Foreword; Simon Winlow
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. What is Ultra-Realism?
Chapter 3. Transcendental Materialism and Avengers
Chapter 4. Pseudo-Pacification, Special Liberty and Pirates of the Caribbean
Chapter 5. Fetishistic Disavowal and Game of Thrones
Chapter 6. Enlightened Catastrophism and Inferno
Chapter 7. Consumer Culture, Desire and Lack in Fight Club
Chapter 8. Violence, Trauma and Ray Donovan
Chapter 9. Putting Ultra-Realism to Work
Chapter 10. Conclusion