Key Film Texts

by Graham Roberts, Heather Wallis

'Key Film Texts' offers students a stimulating introduction to 50 films which they are likely to encounter during their studies. An introductory chapter outlines the core concepts involved in film study. Each entry then provides a guide to production details, information on the film-makers and the institutional context of the film. It explores issue of genre and stardom, the social and historical context, and questions of form and content. The discussion is followed by questions designed to develop students analytical skills and awareness of the key issues raised by the film. Each entry ends with a list of other similar films to encourage students to broaden their viewing and knowledge of film culture.'Key Film Texts' can be used by itself, or in conjunction with the authors' 'Introducing Film' (Arnold 2001).

366 pages, Hardcover

First published April 4, 2002

Reviews

[Pete daPixie · Rating 2 out of 5]

As my reading matter is stuck somewhere in the Christmas post, I've taken to reading my son's Film Studies course books.
Film and tv media is not my domain, so a decent review of this book is not really possible.
Key Film Texts is made up of 50 major/important films from Intolerance (1916) through to Eyes Wide Shut (1999). As I have gone through the book I can honestly say that I've only watched half a dozen of these movies, and then only with repeated showings on tv.
The major films that I would put in my all time list are all absent from this book, still what do I know....and frankly maam I don't give a damn.

[Anna]

Required reading in college for a film class, written by the professor itself. Doubt it can be found anywhere, and with good reason.