In 1982 the British Film Institute (BFI) compiled a list of 360 classic films produced throughout the world from 1914 to 1981. After initiating a project to build an archive of perfect prints of these films, in 1992 the BFI began to publish a series of monographs providing an introduction to each film. Now, the first 50 titles issued in the BFI Film Classics series have been brought together in this compilation. Arranged chronologically by the year of each film's release, the volumes contain 25 essays apiece, beginning with
Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari (1920) in volume 1, and ending with
Annie Hall (1977) in volume 2. Authored by a variety of well-known writers, including Richard Schickel, Camille Paglia, and Salman Rushdie, the commentaries are individualistic rather than following any set criteria concerning format or content. Some focus on the film's production history; others provide criticism, analysis, and interpretation; and others contain lengthy synopses of the story. Each is fascinating in its own way, providing insights and observations that illuminate the film anew for both cinema scholars and movie buffs. All of the essays include a selection of stills from the film, extensive film credits, and bibliographic references. Not all of the photographs and illustrations that appeared in the original series are reproduced here. In addition, all photographs are in black-and-white, although a number of the original monographs include color photographs.
The lack of an index greatly limits this set's usefulness as a reference source. Although each volume includes a chronological list of the films covered in that volume, access is hindered by the absence of an overall table of contents for the set. Also missing are an alphabetical list of the films and a breakdown of films by country of origin. Without these enhancements, there is no reason for libraries that already have the individual volumes in the BFI Film Classics series to add this compilation. However, academic and research libraries that are not purchasing the series may want to consider this set for their circulating collections. RBB
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Review
The stature of films and writers makes this work
valuable....
Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and higher.
–Choice, June 2003Academic and research libraries that are not purchasing the series may want to consider this set for their circulating collections.
–Booklist/RBB, May 15, 2003A must-have resource on these films of undeniable historical significance. The essays are all of exceptionally high quality... The BFI series is a landmark in the history of film criticism, and an absolutely essential reference book....
–Quarterly Review of Film and Video, October 2003
