Colour Films in Britain: The Eastmancolor Revolution

The arrival of Eastmancolor on the British filmmaking scene was a journey of trial and error, debate, and speculation before it was gradually accepted. This book explores its significance as one of the most important technical innovations in film history, examining its role in British cinema since the 1950s and its impact on key film genres. Through original archival research and interviews with industry figures, the authors offer new interpretations of British film genres and the ways in which color communicated meaning in films.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The arrival of Eastmancolor on the British filmmaking scene was a gradual process marked by intermittent trial and error, intense debate, and speculation, leading to eventual acceptance. This book delves into the journey of Eastmancolor's adoption in British Film, examining its lasting significance as one of the most significant technical innovations in film history. Through original archival research and interviews with key figures within the industry, the authors explore the role of Eastmancolor in relation to various aspects of British cinema since the 1950s. They examine the economic and structural histories, different studio and industrial strategies, and the broader aesthetic changes that accompanied the widespread adoption of color.

Their analysis of British cinema through the lens of color offers fresh interpretations of key British film genres, including social realism, historical and costume drama, science fiction, horror, crime, documentary, and even sex films. The authors investigate how color communicated meaning in films ranging from the iconic Carry On series to Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979), from Lawrence of Arabia (1962) to A Passage to India (1984), and from Goldfinger (1964) to 1984 (1984). They also explore the work of renowned directors and cinematographers, such as Nicolas Roeg, Ken Russell, Ridley Scott, Peter Greenaway, and Chris Menges, highlighting their contributions to British film through the use of color.

In conclusion, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Eastmancolor's arrival on the British filmmaking scene, its impact on British cinema, and its enduring significance as a technical innovation. It sheds light on the complex relationships between technology, aesthetics, and the broader cultural context of British film, offering new perspectives on iconic films and filmmakers.

Dimension: 246 x 189 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911239581