French Cinema Book

A multi-authored survey of French film history from the 1890s to the 2010s, offering new insights and an agenda for study and appreciation. Structured according to seven key themes, it is an ideal companion for students and researchers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 26 January 2018
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This comprehensive and interdisciplinary survey provides a novel and accessible exploration of the vast and diverse history of French cinema from the 1890s to the 2010s. In this captivating volume, Michael Temple and Michael Witt offer fresh perspectives and establish a new agenda for the study and appreciation of French cinema. Organized into seven key themes—people, business, technology, forms, representations, spectators, and debates—this essential text raises thought-provoking questions and presents intriguing challenges for students and educators. It also suggests potential research avenues for scholars.

This book serves as an invaluable companion for undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in courses focused on film history, film technology, silent cinema, film theory, and European and French cinema. Its engaging and accessible style will also captivate fans of French cinema worldwide.

The authors of this survey have assembled a team of renowned experts from various fields, including film history, cinema studies, and cultural studies, to contribute their insights and expertise. Each chapter offers a comprehensive analysis of a specific period or theme in French cinema, providing a deep understanding of its historical, social, and cultural contexts.

One of the key strengths of this book is its interdisciplinary approach, which allows for a seamless integration of various theoretical frameworks and methodologies. The authors draw upon a wide range of sources, including film criticism, archival research, and interviews with filmmakers and industry professionals, to provide a rich and nuanced account of French cinema's development.

The seven key themes that structure the book provide a framework for analyzing the diverse range of films produced in France over the past century and a half. The chapters explore the impact of individuals, such as directors, actors, and producers, on the evolution of French cinema, as well as the business aspects of filmmaking, including distribution, marketing, and financing. The authors also examine the technological advancements that have shaped the production and distribution of films, from the early silent films to the digital era.

The book also explores the various forms that French cinema has taken, including experimental films, historical dramas, comedy, and horror. The authors examine the ways in which these films have represented different social and cultural groups, as well as the ways in which they have engaged with spectators and influenced public discourse.

Another important aspect of the book is its attention to the debates and discussions surrounding French cinema. The authors explore the critical reception of films, the influence of film festivals and awards, and the role of film criticism in shaping public perception and understanding of French cinema. They also address the challenges and controversies that have plagued French cinema throughout its history, such as the debate over the role of the state in filmmaking, the representation of women and minorities, and the impact of globalization on French cinema.

In conclusion, this multi-authored survey offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the rich and diverse history of French cinema from the 1890s to the 2010s. It provides students and scholars with a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of French cinema, its social and cultural significance, and its ongoing relevance in the global film industry. With its engaging and accessible style, this book will appeal to a wide range of readers, including film enthusiasts, students, and scholars alike.

Weight: 806g
Dimension: 195 x 258 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781844574650
Edition number: 2 ed