Contemporary French Cinema: An Introduction

by Guy Austin

This book is an essential introduction to popular French film of the last 35 years. It charts recent developments in all genres of French cinema with analyses of over 120 movies, from Les Valseuses to Caché.

Reflecting the diversity of French film production since the New Wave, this clear and perceptive study includes chapters on the heritage film, the thriller and the war movie, alongside the 'cinéma du look', representations of sexuality, comedies, the work of women film makers and le jeune cinéma. Each chapter introduces the public reception and critical debates surrounding a given genre, interwoven with detailed accounts of relevant films.

Confirmed as a major contribution to both Film Studies and French Studies, this book is a fascinating volume for students and fans of French film alike.

Genres: Film

264 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love love love this book and will come back to it forever, such a good encyclopaedia of great french cinema and I’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book, but I'm completely disappointed that the "second edition" thing is a ruse. It's merely a chapter tacked on to a first edition book that ends in 1996.