In this lively, informative and up-to-date analysis, David Parkinson traces the evolution of the moving image from the earliest shadow shows to the digital film-making of the 21st century
Covering the key elements and players that have contributed to cinema's artistic and technical development, David Parkinson's book offers a remarkably concise overview of film throughout the world.
Beginning with cinema’s scientific origins, it assesses the achievements of an international body of film-makers, among them D. W. Griffith and the pioneers of the classical narrative; silent artists; the directors of Golden Age Hollywood; the Italian Neo-Realists; and the auteurs of the French New Wave.
For this second edition, new chapter maps developments in form and technology from the mid-1990s to today, examining experiments in three-dimensionality, the revival of animation, and the democratisation of film-making following the digital revolution.
Parkinson also highlights the best work to have emerged globally, from Poland to China, Korea and Mexico. With a fully updated glossary and bibliography, History of Film remains the definitive survey of this dynamic and popular art form.
'Impressively thorough … adeptly articulates the contributions of particular directors and movements and provides succinct social and historical context for the subject'
Publishers Weekly
'Always readable…the detail and research are top stuff'
Cinemart
'Concise, serious, but very readable'
Library Review
Format: Paperback
Edition Type: Second edition
Size: 21.0 x 15.0 cm
Extent: 304 pp
Illustrations: 176
Publication date: 10 September 2012
ISBN: 9780500204108