Understand film studies - Warren Buckland

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An unpretentious guide for all those who want to learn to analyse, understand and evaluate films

Understand Film Studiesprovides an overview of the key areas in film studies, including aesthetics, narrative, genre, documentary films and the secrets of film reviewing. From Hitchcock and Tarantino to Spielberg and Bigelow, you will soon gain a critical understanding of legendary directors and the techniques and skills that are used to achieve certain cinematic effects. Whether you are a film studies student or just a film buff wanting to know more, this book will give you an invaluable insight into the exciting and incredibly fast-moving world of film.

Understand Film Studies includes:

Chapter 1: Film aesthetics: formalism and realism

Chapter 2: Film structure: narrative and narration

Chapter 3: Film authorship: the director asauteur

Chapter 4: Film genres: defining the typical film

Chapter 5: The non-fiction film: five types of documentary

Chapter 6: The reception of film: the art and profession of film viewing

Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features:

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One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started.

Author insights

Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience.

Test yourself

Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress.

Extend your knowledge

Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject.

Five things to remember

Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts.

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Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.