David Bordwell,
University of Wisconsin, Madison Kristin Thompson,
University of Wisconsin, Madison
ISBN: 0073535060 Copyright year: 2008
Features
Skills-centered approach. The authors strive to help students develop a core set of analytical skills that will deepen their understanding of any film, in any genre.
A logical organization that stresses entire films (film form) rather than isolated techniques. Chapters 2 and 3 introduce the idea of film form, and Chapters 4-8 explain individual techniques and how they are used as parts of whole films.
"A Closer Look" boxes that examine issues of importance in contemporary cinema. For example, computer generated imagery (CGI) is addressed in a discussion of The Lord of the Rings.
Frame enlargements used instead of "production stills." All film images presented in the text are frame enlargements--magnified photographs taken from an actual strip of film. This enables students to view images that directly correspond to images in the finished films.
Where to Go from Here: At the end of most chapters, this section attempts to raise issues and provoke discussion. It also suggests further reading and research, acting as a bibliographic source for specific issues in the chapter.
Whole film study. Bordwell and Thompson emphasize the study of complete films, rather than excerpts, with an approach that examines how a film is created, how an entire film functions, and how the art of film has developed through time.
Bibliography, Glossary, and Internet Sites: A list of the most basic and current introductions to the main periods and movements in film history is provided to accompany Chapter 12. A glossary of terms can be found at the end of the book as well as a list of many of the best Internet sites related to cinema.
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2008 McGraw-Hill Higher Education