In the Scene: Steve McQueen

This guide is a must for film fans and students of contemporary cinema alike. An introductory chapter highlights thematic and visual devices, followed by an exploration of British director Steve McQueen’s work, from his short films and video art through his critically acclaimed feature films, including his masterpiece, the Academy Award-winning 12 Years A Slave, to his BBC TV series Small Axe and the new war film, Blitz. Londoner Steve McQueen shot to fame in 1999 when he won the prestigious Turner Prize for innovative art. In 2020, the Tate Gallery in London held an exhibition of over a dozen works spanning film, photography and sculpture, including his homage to the African American actor and civil rights activist Paul Robeson. Ranging across the visual arts, to advertising, documentary and drama, McQueen often tackles hard-hitting topics such as discrimination and injustice in powerful, cinematic ways.

Includes interviews with historian, David Olusoga and director of film programming at the Lincoln Center, Dennis Lim.

Reviews

“… provides useful insight into the director’s background and motivations and offers easy-to-read reviews of his numerous films, documentaries and exhibitions. An invaluable guide to the incredible work Steve McQueen has produced since his time as an art student until today.”

– Tony Warner, co-founder, chair of African Odysseys programme

“A highly readable and wide-ranging consideration of McQueen’s work.” – Kirkus reviews

“…an accessible and comprehensive guide to McQueen’s work that covers its breadth of ambition alongside the depth of its core themes.” – Paul Sutton, Head of Film Studies, CityLit

“A resource for budding film writers and directors. Definitely need a copy. This outline of every Steve McQueen project is for true fans of film or will make a fan out of you. This presents a researcher’s insight into the director and his works. Arranging and discussing the films by timeline and type, really helped to show the evolution of McQueen’s creative perspective and output. Fun fact that I didn’t realize before this book: He and Michael Fassbender have a longstanding and fruitful work relationship.” ****

– Adrienne Adrimano, netgalley

© 2025 Supernova Books (Ebook): 9781913641184

Release date

Ebook: 18 June 2025