Film Theory and Criticism: Introductory Readings, 5th Edition [Paperback]

Leo Braudy (Editor), Marshall Cohen (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0195105982 | ISBN-13: 978-0195105988 | Publication Date: August 6, 1998 | Edition: 5th

Since publication of the first edition in 1974, Film Theory and Criticism, previously edited by Gerald Mast, Marshall Cohen, and Leo Braudy, has been the most widely used and cited anthology of critical writings about film. Extensively revised and updated, this fifth edition is ideal for undergraduate and graduate courses in film theory and criticism. Featuring both classic texts and cutting-edge essays from almost a century of thought and writing about the movies, it includes 19 articles new to this edition and new introductions for the individual sections. The sections themselves have been reformulated to help lead readers into a richer understanding of what the movies have and can accomplish both as individual works and as contributions to what has been called "the art form of the twentieth century." Building upon the wide range of selections and the extensive historical coverage that marked previous editions, this collection stretches from the earliest attempts to define the cinema to the most recent efforts to place film in the context of psychology, sociology, and philosophy and to explore issues of gender and race. A newly conceived section on Film Narrative and the Other Arts has been added, the section on Film Genre has been reorganized to include a special focus on the horror film, and a new subsection of essays addresses the issue of film spectatorship. This volume also features new and more accurate translations of the important essays of Sergei Eisenstein and gives more space to such important theorists as Andr� Bazin and Christian Metz.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for the previous edition: "Essential reading for the serious film student."--Jerry Allen White, University of Oklahoma

"Very well put together anthology which strikes a persuasive balance between classical and contemporary texts. Very comprehensive, and extremely useful in my class. Sufficiently accessible for my students, too!"--Reinhart Lutz, University of the Pacific

"An excellent introductory survey text, offering key essays in film theory and criticism for the beginning student....A superb text in every respect; well annotated and authoritative."--Wheeler Winston Dixon, University of Nebraska

"Best collection for breadth and diversity of purpose."--A. McAlister, Emory University

"One of the best books I've seen on film criticism. A standard work in the field. Should be on every teacher of film's desk."--Emil Piscitelli, Northern Virginia Community College

"Excellent selections. Each section is preceded by a sound introduction. The index will be especially useful when the book is used as a supplement....Very valuable."--David Merrell, Abilene Christian University

"Well-researched and written. Very informative and useful."--Terence Brennan, University of Colorado

"As always, the latest edition is an invaluable research, reference, and discovery tool."--Ken Burke, Mills College

"A much needed book. It is at once comprehensive, academic, philosophical, and engaging. The students love it! I don't know how I taught without it."--Dr. von der Vogelweide, Berklee College of Music

"Excellent collection of critical essays combining some classical studies with new approaches to film theory and production."--Gaetana Marrone-Puglia, Princeton University

About the Author

Marshall Cohen, Dean of Humanities, both at University of Southern California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 861 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 5th edition (August 6, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195105982
• ISBN-13: 978-0195105988
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #407,630 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a must for film studies students, March 27, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Film Theory and Criticism: Introductory Readings, 5th Edition (Paperback)

This is a must-have reader for film studies. Most of the TAs and professors at my school dip into this reader to create their classpacks and exam reading lists. The reader, a selection of key essays or excerpts, will introduce you to the language of film studies -- the major theorists from Bazin, Eisenstein, Burch, to Mulvey, Gunning and Dyer etc.; the differing methods of film studies from genre, psychoanalytic, reception, and Frankfurt studies. These are some of the key essays that have shaped film studies criticism over the last century. The book is pricey but well worth it, especially if you don't have the dough to stock up on the original texts. Some of the readings are difficult precisely because they are theory and meant for an academic or professional audience. Take your time, reread selections and savor some of the ideas that still shape how we see and make movies today.

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential, January 24, 2011

By 

Andrew J. Stewart - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Film Theory and Criticism: Introductory Readings, 5th Edition (Paperback)

From early Marxist theory to current trends in film scholarship, this text is a must. Anyone who wants to know anything about film theory should buy this book. It is well laid out, has clear and concise concepts, and was one of the cornerstones in my education about film.

3 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Worth the effort, February 6, 2006

By 

Malcom Madden (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Film Theory and Criticism: Introductory Readings, 5th Edition (Paperback)

Despite some jargon that it difficult to penetrate, finallys this book is an intelligent and original approach to film theory; his views on Eisenstein are fresh and valid, and he roams through film history with a confidence that elevates the book. Too bad that Braudy employs so much arcane language, as if written for academics rather than fans. Still, it's worth the effort to extract the fine parts.