An observant overview of the genre of the anti-hero in modern cinema which carefully examines its roots and appeal. He's the stranger in town, the man with no name, the twisted genius, the unshaven gunman with a penchant for whiskey and women; he's the anti-hero, and this book tells about him and why we identify with him. This excellent overview of the genre also offers us psychological and aesthetic rationales behind the anti-hero's emergence, citing German Expressionism and the 1930's Depression. The author includes related themes such as Film Noir, the Western and the Femme Fatale in modern cinema. Carefully referenced and full of insightful observations, this is a rich resource for film buffs everywhere.