Essential Cinema

Description

Succinct, lively, and affordable, ESSENTIAL CINEMA: AN INTRODUCTION TO FILM ANALYSIS vividly illustrates principles in action as it helps you develop effective skills in close analysis. The book is packed with frame captures you can readily relate to, and it also features interviews with film practitioners throughout, giving you insight into real-world practice. In addition, unique screening questions at the end of each chapter help you apply chapter concepts to any film you watch, while the running glossary and end-of-text illustrated glossary offer easy access to full explanations of concepts. “This text beautifully balances the needs for both breadth and clarity in an introductory Cinema Studies textbook. Students are introduced to the fundamental terms and concepts that will enable them to continue their study of the movies without being overwhelmed by information. The author understands the pedagogical and cognitive concept of scaffolding: an introductory course or textbook represents a foundation to build on, a starting point rather a final destination. Clarity and comprehension are key features of the text, and this textbook is both usefully organized and beautifully written or This is a coherent, focused, and pedagogically well-informed introductory textbook. It nicely balances the need for both breadth and intensity. It provides students with a comprehensive overview that won’t overwhelm them. The illustrations are beautifully chosen.” “This is simply the most up-to-date and informative textbook in the field that I’m aware of, all presented in a manner that is likely to appeal to the contemporary student. … This is an approachable and concise work and I am highly impressed with the organization and tools that have been included.” “A thorough yet clear guide to film technique applicable to introduction courses and useful as a resource in other courses. This is the kind of book that students won’t sell back at the end of their intro course.” 1. ANALYZING MOVIES. The Magic of Movies. Movies as Entertainment and Art. How to “Read” a Film. 2. NARRATIVE AND GENRE. Narrative Structure. Characters. Genre. 3. MISE-EN-SC?NE. The Set. Costumes, Make-Up, and Hair. Blocking and Performance. The Lights. 4. CAMERAWORK. Camera Placement. Camera Movement. Focus and Depth. The Plastic Material: Stock, Exposure, and Effects. 5. EDITING. Elements of Editing. Continuity Editing. Alternative Editing Styles. 6. SOUND. Sound and Image. The Voice Track. Music. Sound Effects. Sound Editing and Mixing. 7. THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONTEXTS. The Business of Film. Distribution and Marketing. Exhibition. 8. DOCUMENTARY, ANIMATED, AND EXPERIMENTAL FILMS. Documentary. Animation. Experimental Film. 9. FILM HISTORY. Hollywood. American Independents. Europe. Non-Western Film. 10. WRITING ABOUT FILM. Essay Writing Strategies. Research and Citation.

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