Introduction to Film Studies

Jill Nelmes is a senior lecturer at the University of East London. Her research interests include gender and film and screenwriting. She recently spent two years studying screenwriting at UCLA and working in the film industry in Los Angeles.

Praise for the fourth edition:'This fourth edition is even more comprehensive and accessible than previous editions. It addresses new generations of students, asks new questions of film studies and rises to the radical challenge of answering those questions superbly well.’ – Pat Brereton, Dublin City University, Ireland'A thoughtful and comprehensive text for analysis of motion pictures as an art form, profession and institution. The fourth edition furthers this study through revising existing chapters and adding critical new research of this compelling medium.' – James Cho, Nevada State College, USA'I commend the new fourth edition to all students interested in studying film and also to teachers who want to keep abreast of current thinking and research. This fourth edition is even more comprehensive and accessible than previous editions and appeals as a single-volume purchase for a wide range of film and media courses. The extended range of chapters, which are carefully chosen, display up-to-date scholarship using many recent films and provide a fully rounded and extended introduction to film studies. Teaching and learning strategies are well conceived, with each self-contained chapter posing important questions and providing clear, concise and provocative responses to issues raised, inspiring further research. It addresses new generations of students, asks new questions of film studies and rises to the radical challenge of answering those questions very well.' – Pat Brereton, Dublin City University, Ireland'For any undergraduate student thinking about pursuing a degree in film studies Introduction to Film Studies is a stimulating and timely reappraisal of why we spend so much time watching films! It offers a fresh perspective on the subject and in an age saturated by the moving image helps us to navigate some difficult terrain. It gives the chapters a contemporary relevance and provides a pleasing critical re-engagement with theory.' – Martin Price, Stratford upon Avon College, UK'A thoughtful and comprehensive text for analysis of motion pictures as an art form, profession and institution. The fourth edition furthers this study through revising existing chapters and adding critical new research of this compelling medium' – James Cho, Nevada State College, USAPraise for previous editions:First Edition'Simply the best introductory volume in the field so far.' - Jesus B Sanchez, Castilla La Mongha University, Ciudad Real, Spain'Indispensable for the A Level, degree student or lay reader in film, communications or media courses...will indisputably be the standard text for many years to come...close to the perfect film studies textbook you are likely to see.' - John Lough, Senior Lecturer in Media Theory, University of Humberside, UKSecond Edition'I highly recommend this text to any student embarking on the study of film...An admirable synthesis of historical, social and theoretical considerations of cinema, presented in an engaging and accessible manner.' - Alan Burton, De Montfort University, UK'Probably the clearest, most comprehensive and accessible introduction to film studies available.' - Martin Price, Stratford-upon-Avon College, UKThird Edition'I know of no other introductory film text that covers so much ground, nor that so readily connects up film theory and discourse with work in mass and popular culture. The revised edition keeps up with changes in technology and the discussions of Hollywood are particularly illuminating...I highly recommend this text.' - Denise Albanese, George Mason University, USA'The ideal book for anyone starting Film Studies...Illustrations are plentiful and all important concepts and terminology are accessibly explained. I encourage students to make it their top priority reading.' - Jeff Thomas, Coleg Gwent, Pontypool, Wales

• Foreward, Bill Nicholls Introduction to the 5th Edition, Jill Nelmes PART I : CINEMA AS INSTITUTION: TECHNOLOGY, INDUSTRY AND AUDIENCE 1. The Industrial contexts of film production, Searle Kochberg 2. Film and Technology, Bill Whittington PART II: APPROACHES TO STUDYING FILM - FORM AND TEXT 3. Getting to the Bigger Picture, Patrick Phillips 4. Film Form and Narrative, Susan Spiedel 5. Spectator, Audience and Response, Patrick Phillips 6. Approaches to Cinematic Authorship, Paul Watson 7. Stardom and Hollywood Cinema, Paul Watson PART III: STUDYNG GENRE 8. Genre theory and Hollywood Cinema, Paul Watson 9. The Documentary Form, Paul Ward 10. The Language of Animation, Paul Wells PART IV: CINEMA, IDENTITY AND THE POLITICS OF REPRESENTATION 11. Gender and Film, Jill Nelmes 12. Lesbian and Gay Cinema, Chris Jones 13. Spectacle, Stereotypes and Films of the African Diaspora, Terri Francis PART V : CINEMA, NATION AND NATIONAL IDENTITY 14. British Cinema, Lawrence Napper 15. Indian Cinema, Lalitha Gopalan 16. Latin American Cinema, Linda Craig 17. The Soviet Montage Cinema of the 1920’s, Mark Joyce