Talk About Cinema

From classicism to comedy, Kubrick to the Coen Brothers, this practical and instructive guide offers a straightforward approach to film in an accessible format: a perfect read for novices and experts alike. A fresh, engaging, and beautifully illustrated volume, Talk About Cinema is the ideal companion for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of cinema today. The main genres of contemporary cinema are clearly defined and exemplified, and chapters on major dates, turning points, and "firsts" since the turn of the twentieth century allow the reader to contextualize different cinematic movements. From Postmodernism and Expressionism to Teen Movies, Westerns, and Science Fiction, all the major trends and styles of recent times are explored and provide a detailed picture of the contemporary cinematic landscape. The portraits of thirty eminent contemporary filmmakers offer valuable insight into the creative and stylistic processes of some of the greatest names in world cinema, while a chapter on twenty seminal works from the last century details those films that have proved inspirational in shaping cinema as we know it today, such as The Twilight Zone, Scarface, and Night of the Living Dead. Hundreds of screenshots and original photographs of legendary actors and directors on set and on screen provide snapshots of their glamorous world, and an easy-to-use glossary ensures that the reader is never overwhelmed by jargon. If you want to understand and discuss film-related topics, Talk About Cinema effortlessly synthesizes a wealth of pertinent facts and ideas into a fun, didactic, and readable volume.