Seagalogy

The book makes the argument that certain specific themes and motifs remain present throughout Seagal's filmography, laying the groundwork for an examination of the films using the auteur theory. Since the auteur theory usually cites the film director as the source of a film's particular vision, Vern argues that Seagal's filmography represents an example of what he describes as the "badass auteur": typically an action star whose persona and interests recur throughout their filmography, regardless of director or other creative collaborators.[4][5][6]

Vern describes themes of government corruption (particularly involving the CIA), environmentalism, and adoption of foreign cultures as being examples of recurrent motifs in Seagal's films, among a variety of others. The first edition breaks Seagal's career into four chronological "eras", marked by specific differences in style and content. The 2012 updated edition adds a fifth era.[7][8][9]

These chronological "eras" describe different phases of Seagal's career, and include the "Golden Era" (1988-1991), the period of Seagal's first successes, the "Silver Era" (1992-1997), during which Seagal saw the peak of his fame and made high-profile blockbusters, a "Transitional Period" (1998-2002) during which he made lower-profile or ensemble films, a lengthy "direct-to-video" period (his most prolific to date, 2003–2008) and, in the 2012 updated addition, a "Chief Seagal" period (2009–Present) during which Seagal moved into television and began reflecting elements of his Steven Seagal: Lawman persona in his films.[10]

The book does not discuss Seagal's personal life or career, and instead focuses almost exclusively on his artistic output. Biographical details (for instance, his legal issues with producer Julius R. Nasso) appear only in the context of discussing their possible impact on his artistic choices.[11]