Product Description

Since publication of the first edition in 1974, Leo Braudy and Marshall Cohen's Film Theory and Criticism has been the most widely used and cited anthology of critical writings about film. Now in its seventh edition, this landmark text continues to offer outstanding coverage of more than a century of thought and writing about the movies. Incorporating classic texts by pioneers in film theory--including Rudolf Arnheim, Siegfried Kracauer, and André Bazin--and cutting-edge essays by such contemporary scholars as David Bordwell, Tania Modleski, Thomas Schatz, and Richard Dyer, the book examines both historical and theoretical viewpoints on the subject. Building upon the wide range of selections and the extensive historical coverage that marked previous editions, this new compilation stretches from the earliest attempts to define the cinema to the most recent efforts to place film in the contexts of psychology, sociology, and philosophy, and to explore issues of gender and race. Reorganized into eight sections--each comprising the major fields of critical controversy and analysis--this new edition features reformulated introductions and biographical headnotes that contextualize the readings, making the text more accessible than ever to students, film enthusiasts, and general readers alike. The seventh edition also integrates exciting new material on feminist theory, queer cinema, and global cinema, as well as a new section, "Digitization and Globalization," which engages important recent developments in technology and world cinema. A wide-ranging critical and historical survey, Film Theory and Criticism remains the leading text for undergraduate courses in film theory. It is also ideal for graduate courses in film theory and criticism. ABOUT THE EDITORS Leo Braudy is University Professor and Bing Professor of English at the University of Southern California. Among other books, he is author of Native Informant: Essays on Film, Fiction, and Popular Culture (OUP, 1991), The Frenzy of Renown: Fame and Its History (OUP, 1986), and most recently, From Chivalry to Terrorism: War and the Changing Nature of Masculinity (2003). Marshall Cohen is University Professor Emeritus and Dean Emeritus of the College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at the University of Southern California. He is coeditor, with Roger Copeland, of What Is Dance? Readings in Theory and Criticism (OUP, 1983) and founding editor of Philosophy and Public Affairs.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #97174 in Books
• Published on: 2009-06-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 912 pages

Review
" An inspired source for any student looking for film theory information. The book provides a deep analysis to all major areas of film theory including semiotics, psychoanalysis aesthetics as a part of film theory. A must.", Luis Teixeira, Univeridade Catolica Portuguesa - Fine Arts School

Customer Reviews

Incredibly comprehensive
This book sets out to anthologise a number of seminal essays reflective of key developments in film theory and criticism over the last century. Covered are key issues in film construction and aesthetics, the relationship of film to reality, technological and philosophical debates on the (re)production of image and sound, narrative techniques and development, genre, auteurism, feminist film theory, issues of spectatorship and the relationship of film studies to other disciplines such as psychology and philosophy.
This is squarely aimed at an academic market and as such functions wonderfully as an undergraduate level textbook. However, due to the scope of subjects covered and the range of writers included, I find it hard to believe that this could not be just as appealing to a casual reader, provided they are familiar with the terminology used so frequently within the humanities.
Despite its price, it has already more than paid for itself. Highly recommended.

All you need to know about the Film Theory and a bit more..
All you need to know about Film Theory and something of its History. As more of an academic text designed in particular for those studying film criticism, some people may be a little put off. However, I would recommend this to anyone interested in 20th century History, Philosophy, Politics or tendencies in film and Film and Art, illustrated by classic films such as the Cabinet of Dr Caligari - this has made me realise just how important and interesting a medium Film can be for those interested (like myself) in philosophy and political theory, as well as taking you to some classic films.