NIU English professor Robert Self explores the films of Robert Altman in his new book.

The book, titled “Robert Altman’s Subliminal Reality,” is an academic analysis of the inner workings of Altman’s films.

Altman’s directing credits include the TV series “M*A*S*H*,” and the films “Gosford Park,” “The Player” and “Nashville.” The 77-year-old Hollywood maverick earned rave reviews and seven Oscar nominations for “Gosford Park.”

“[The book] is a study that’s addressed to an audience who takes film seriously as an art form,” Self said.

He teaches literary and film classes, and said he’s been teaching film for the English department since 1972.

Communication professor Jeffrey Chown said he thinks Self is the best person to write a book on Altman.

“[Self] is the preeminent Robert Altman scholar in America,” he said.

Professor Lynne Waldeland, former interim provost of NIU and colleague of Self, said she liked the book.

“It makes use of contemporary theories of film and the experience of being a member of the audience,” she said.

Chown agreed.

“[The book] is a fitting testament to Bob’s commitment and passion toward the subject of Robert Altman toward American films,” he said.

Self said he chose to write a book on Altman because he has been fascinated with his films since the mid-’70s.

“His kind of storytelling is very modernist and very demanding on the audience,” Self said. “He doesn’t tell stories with happy endings, he doesn’t have big heroes in his stories.”

Waldeland agreed that Altman was an interesting topic for the book.

“[Altman] keeps developing and changing,” she said. “He’s quite fascinating to study because he doesn’t make the same film twice. He really lets actors do their best work.”

Self said working on the book was difficult at times.

“The challenging part was trying to think about the way his films work in relation to contemporary film theory and criticism,” he said.

Self said writing the book also was rewarding.

“The best part was looking at these wonderful movies in detail,” he said.

Self said the book is an in-depth read.

“It’s not a coffee table book about the movies,” he said.

Chown stressed the importance of the book.

“[Altman] makes movies on the fringe of Hollywood, and it’s important that we have a book that helps us appreciate how Altman’s films have survived on the fringes of Hollywood,” Chown said. “Bob has supplied that book.”