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Film Studies

Andrew M. Butler

Almost everything you need to know in one essential guide

Seeing a film is only half the fun. The real joy comes from arguing about it afterwards in the pub or on the journey home. But have you ever felt you needed to know a little more?

This book offers a concise introduction to the appreciation and study of film. This second edition begins with an examination of early film theory before analysing how films are put together – framing, performance, setting, costume and editing. It then explores a number of approaches taken to film over the last half century – the auteur theory, structuralism, psychoanalysis, feminism, and queer theory with a new chapter on Marxism. There are also overviews on stars, genres, national cinemas and film movements from around the world.

With this book in your pocket you can gasp as directors break the 30° rule, marvel as Oedipus complexes are resolved, shudder as you become aware of your own voyeurism and tell your metteur en scène from your mise en scène. Going to the cinema may never be the same again...

Andrew M Butler is Senior Lecturer Media and Cultural Studies at Canterbury Christ Church University College and author of the Pocket Essentials Terry Pratchett, Philip K Dick, Cyberpunk and, with Bob Ford, Postmodernism. He was the winner of the 2004 Pioneer Award and would collect shiny trousers in his spare time if he had any.

For a review copy or further information, please contact Chris Burrows PR
on 0161 445 6635 or email chris-burrows@o2.co.uk

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