Studying Film - Softcover

Nathan Abrams; Jan Udris; Ian Bell

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0340984465 ISBN 13: 9780340984468

Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic, 2010

Synopsis

Studying Film encourages the enjoyment and understanding of a wide range of different types of film together with an awareness of the nature and role of cinema as a medium, art form and social and economic institution. It also looks closely at the very specific ways in which film images and sounds generate meaning. Responses to film are explored and how to apply critical terminology to construct meaning is explained. The 'why' and 'when' of film production is analysed to place film production, dissemination and consumption in context.   

The book covers: Cinema as Institution; Film as Text; Movies and Audiences. Part one explores early cinema, American cinema, British cinema, world cinema and alternative cinema, as well as production, distribution and exhibition. The effect of media conglomerate ownership on the film industry, and globalisation, is analysed with reference to technological developments and their impact on the sector. Part two, Film as Text, examines how images and sounds communicate meaning. Key terms and practices are explained, such as mise en scène, cinematography, editing and sound. Mainstream and alternative cinematic techniques are described followed by the history of film technology developments and future possibilities. Part three looks at movies and audience responses in a historical and contemporary context and explores the issue of censorship. Film theories are discussed, followed by authorship, genre and, of course, the stars of the big screen.

Studying Film contains extensive references to guide further research, a useful glossary of key terms, and case studies and summaries to consolidate learning. It is an essential tool for all film studies students and an accompanying website, www.hodderplus.com/film, provides sample questions, film summaries and a film chronology.

About this title

Review:

'Clearly written, extensively resourced and an invaluable reference that deals with all the aspects involved in academic film studies (and more).' Jon Brazil, Senior Teaching Fellow, School of Performance and Cultural Industries, The University of Leeds, UK This updated textbook offers students new to the study of film an engaging and informative introduction to its core areas and critical debates. The structural organisation and style of the writing in Studying Film make this text easy to use and apply to a range of key concepts, and the exercises and examples given always help to illustrate and support further independent thinking. Studying Film is a great start for anyone wanting a good, basic and clear understanding of key topics in film, from history and language to contemporary cinema and media convergence. Claire Hines, Senior Lecturer in Film and Television Studies, Southampton Solent University, UK 'I think the text does an excellent job of outlining the many, many ways to "do film studies." Further, it does so in an understandable way that would be accessible to undergraduate students.' Dr Jonathan Cavallero, Lecturer, Penn State University, USA 'The glossary is worth the price alone' NATFHE Journal Accessibly written, this new edition is an essential resource for film studies students. Goldlink (Magazine of the alumni of Goldsmith's)

About the Author:

Nathan Abrams is a Lecturer in in Film Studies at the University of Bangor. Ian Bell is a Lecturer in Video Production and Film Studies at West Herts College. Jan Udris is a Lecturer in Film Studies at Birkbeck College, University of London and Middlesex University.

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0340984465
• ISBN 13: 9780340984468
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 386