Film: An Introduction (2nd Edition) [Paperback]

William H. Phillips (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 10, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0312258968 | ISBN-13: 978-0312258962 | Edition: Second Edition

An introduction to the film medium for both general readers and college-level film students. The book has three parts: The Expressiveness of Film Techniques, Types of Films, and Responses to Films. Also included are marginal definitions, a twenty-page illustrated glossary, a forty-page four column chronology, and more than 500 photographs and drawings.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Amongst the book's brightest contributions are its directness, explicit coverage of technical materials, and accessible language, without sacrificing accuracy or pedagogical rigor.' - Ernesto R. Acevedo-Munoz, University of Colorado, USA 'The marginalia is incredibly helpful and makes for a very visual and inviting design.' - Alex E. Blazer, Ohio State University, USA

About the Author

WILLIAM H. PHILLIPS has taught introductory film courses for many years at the University of Illinois, Indiana University, California State University and the University of Wisconsin, USA. His publications include the books Analyzing Films, Writing Short Scripts 2e, and Writing Short Stories: The Most Practical Guide.

Product Details

• Paperback: 582 pages
• Publisher: Bedford/St. Martin's; Second Edition edition (October 10, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312258968
• ISBN-13: 978-0312258962
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,286,760 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, easy to grasp, introduction to film concepts, September 10, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Film: An Introduction (Hardcover)

Phillips has written an accessible, up-to-date, and lively book suitable for anyone who wants a basic understanding of the art of film. It is arranged so that a discussion of film techniques is first, liberally illustrated with shots from numerous films (including newer releases). One of the nice features of the book is it identifies and points out the differences between publicity stills and frame enlargments. The rest of the book discusses how movies are developed, their sources, genres, and characteristics. There is a detailed chapter on alternatives to live-action films (especially focused on animation). The book's final section addresses the social meanings of films, and provides a sample analysis of Altman's "The Player." Throughout the text are sample student papers, to demonstrate how to write about film in a critical way. In the introductory film appreciation class that I teach, students preferred this book to Bordwell and Thompson's "Film Art." For them, all the examples and photographs enhanced the concepts, while the marginal definitions helped them remember key terms. Students also appreciated the inclusion of recent movies they have seen, as well as classics like "Citizen Kane." From this college professor's point of view, the book is best for beginners, who just want to know more about film techniques and analysis. However, even advanced students would find it a useful summary of film concepts.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally--a Relevant Film Book!, July 28, 2005

By 

Compass (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Film: An Introduction (Paperback)

FILM by William H. Phillips has as its strongest point its relevancy to current events in light of past film endeavors. Recent films are discussed in the 3rd Edition as well as other editions with clarity and insight. Also, it is a rare film book that discusses the economics of film making and marketing of film in theaters and video formatting.

This work shows that other countries than the US also have an important cinematic history. This book encompasses both the American scene and the world historical perspective with its extensive chronology 1895-2003, and the relationship and mirroring of world events in film. This is a book to add to any collection of film reference guides. It is prime value for the money with 669 pages of prolific color plates and black and white photos of actual film shots.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars speedy ...overall, good!, January 14, 2012

By 

max - See all my reviews

This review is from: Film: An Introduction (Paperback)

Received the book within the 2-4 days which is great when ordering for a class. The book was in the condition the shipper mentioned. Thanks!