The book examines the initial context of a film's release, the evolution of audience tastes, and the mechanics of cultural memory. For instance, a film's societal, political, and economic climate can greatly influence its initial success. Forgotten Blockbusters challenges traditional film history by focusing on commercially successful yet overlooked films.
Beginning with a theoretical framework for understanding cinematic memory, the book presents detailed case studies of films from the 1970s to the 2000s, meticulously researched with box office data, reviews, and audience surveys. This approach provides a fresh perspective on the dynamics of cinematic success and failure, making it valuable for film enthusiasts, students, and anyone interested in popular culture.