Film guides and reviews Books

Book SynopsisSet in-world, Star Wars: The Imperial Handbook shares the knowledge of a newly promoted Commander in the Imperial Military, providing a comprehensive overview of the Imperial war machine. After the Battle of Endor, the guide fell into the hands of the Rebel Alliance who provide handwritten annotations. Writers and annotators include Emperor Palpatine, Admiral Yularen, Wedge Antilles, and Han Solo.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA full-colour illustrated compendium chronicling the magical twenty-year journey of acclaimed art and design studio, MinaLima, the creative genius behind the graphics for the Harry Potter film series.It all started with a letter . . .Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima began their extraordinary partnership in 2001 when Warner Bros. invited them to realize the imaginative visual universe of the Harry Potter film series. The two artists would never have guessed that the graphic props they designed for the films including the Hogwarts acceptance letter, Marauder's Map, Daily Prophet newspaper, The Quibbler and Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes would become cultural icons loved by Wizarding World fans around the world.Eight years later, the pair formed their own design studio, MinaLima, and expanded their work to include the graphics for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade at Universal Orlando Resort and the Fantastic Beasts film series. To showcase their treasury of desigTrade Review‘At MinaLima we are intrigued and enchanted by all things graphic. It’s our passion. We aim to be less than conventional and much more than ordinary.’Miraphora Mina & Eduardo Lima

Read more less

Book SynopsisSee a new, caring side to the legendary science fiction monster as he tends to Jonesy the cat, endeavours to keep his house cleaner than the Nostromo, and searches for his place on a cold, new, alien world: Earth. From facehuggers to feather dusters, discover how the perfect killing machine relaxes after a day of scaring space marines.Trade Review“simple, smart, and very, very funny” - The Film Stage“Adorable” - VG Blogger“Alien Next Door manages to take one of the most terrifying movie villains of all-time and make it come off as friendly as a family pet thanks to its simple, yet awesome artwork” - Entertainment Buddha"Hilarious." - Horrorfuel“There’s probably an important message here about how strange-looking things can be nice if you give them a chance, but who cares. ALIEN.” - Overthinking It "I'm so glad this book is seeing the light of day, and if you're a fan of the franchise, absolutely pick it up." - Cinema Sentries "Joey Spiotto changes the dark, sinister world of Aliens to a cartoon with instant laughs that would fit well in the 80's and early 90's era of television." - Things To Do in LA"On the surface, the book boasts several clever gags hiding in plain sight, mostly references to the still-going franchise, facehuggers and otherwise." - Bookgasm"If you’re looking for something quirky to amuse an adult fan of the franchise, this is what you’re looking for." - San Francisco Book Review"Spiotto takes the terrible baddie and turns it into a comical, misunderstood next door neighbor type, and it’s just precious." - Midroad Movie Review"every bit as adorable, and darkly humorous, as you might think" - BookRiot

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe follow-up to Titan's bestselling Jedi Path and Book of Sith a major new Star Wars title, full of previously unrevealed secrets! Now you too can learn the history of the notorious bounty hunters! Boba Fett bound together the Bounty Hunters Guild and the Death Watch recruiting booklet; together these form The Bounty Hunter Code. This is an illustrated guide for all bounty hunters, containing the secrets of the hunt of this misunderstood profession. As well as the bounty hunter philosophy, also included is discussions of armour and weaponry.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review“This is a fascinating deep dive into the creation of one of the most visually engaging and endearing movies in recent memory. For you aspiring animators out there, let this serve as a guide to the endless work that goes into creating animation that serves both story and style. And maybe you’ll walk away with a little inspiration to color outside the lines, whether that’s on a sketch pad, computer tablet, or just in your everyday life.” * /Film *“An excellent companion piece. The kind of collector’s coffee table book that usually accompanies major theatrical blockbusters.” * RogerEbert.com *“If you are a fan of animation or someone who loves to look deeper into how your new favorite film came together, then this book is a must-have.” * Your Money Geek *

Read more less

Book SynopsisA comprehensive encyclopedia of film. It features more than 8,000 entries on the artistic, technical, and commercial aspects of moviemaking, including: directors, producers, stars, screenwriters, and cinematographers, styles, genres, and schools of filmmaking, motion picture studios and film centers; and film-related organizations and events.Trade Review"Wow! What a book!" -- Katharine Hepburn "Recommended for any reference collection in need of a world view of film." -- Booklist "The best movie reference book, hands down." -- Newsweek

Read more less

Book SynopsisTake a journey through the makers and shapers of celluloid history. From horror to romance, noir to slapstick, adventure to tragedy, Western to new wave, this selection gathers the greats of 20th-century cinema into one indispensable guide to movie gold. The collection is arranged chronologically and in an extra-handy format. Film entries include a synopsis, cast/crew listings, technical information, actor/director bios, trivia, and lists of awards, as well as film stills, production photos, and the original poster for each film. From Metropolis to Modern Times, A Clockwork Orange to Buñuel’s The Young and the Damned, from the blockbusters to lesser-known masterpieces, thumb through and transform a quiet evening into an unforgettable screen encounter.Trade Review“Well-researched, encyclopedic, full of fascinating facts and an ideal present for silver screen enthusiasts.” * The Sunday Post *

Read more less

Book SynopsisTo coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original Star Trek TV series, CBS Consumer Products have commissioned a series of art pieces to celebrate moments, characters, storylines and episodes from the Franchise. Artists from around the world as well as famous fans have contributed lovingly made posters, photos, sculptures, comic strips, textiles and much more to commemorate this beloved show. Foreword by Nicholas Meyer.Trade Review“Perfectly scheduled to wrap up the fiftieth anniversary of the original Star Trek television series, this is the perfect gift for the Trekkie on your list.” - Joblo gift guide“An amazing tribute book” - Atomic Moo“The next best thing to going to the exhibit” - Trek Today"Just reading about the affection that most of the artists share for Star Trek, and their favorite moments or characters from the show or the films was almost as entertaining for me as the art was." - Beyond the Marquee “A colorful, beautifully illustrated guide for the Star Trek fan that appreciates artists interpreting the franchise.” - Borg.com“’A beautiful looking book that would make any Star Trek fan drool” - Entertainment Buddha“Forgive me for saying this, but this book is out of this world.” - Adventures in Poor Taste “About as perfect a collection of Star Trek art as you could hope for.” - The Fandom Post“As a huge new-generation Star Trek fan, I can say I loved every second of getting the chance to review this art book.” - Gamers Sphere“Inspiring” - Omnivoracious“Star Trek: 50 Artists 50 Years offers up beautiful artwork for fans and makes a great read for those who’ve also loved what Star Trek has had to contribute all these decades.” - Geeks of Doom“This art book is a true labor of love and with every turn of its pages, the more inspired and contented you’ll feel while drinking in every detail." - Project Fandom"As Wrath of Khan director Nicholas Meyer puts it in the foreward, “What you are about to see surely merits an occasion for display.” - The Film Stage“This Holiday season, if you have a “Trekkie” fanatic, this book will do the trick. I had a smile of my face looking at the pages of artwork and reading the Star Trek insights. Star Trek 50 Artists 50 Years will make a wonderful gift for Star Trek fanatics.” - Retrenders“Any Trekkie will love it.” - Entertainment Buddha gift guide"An excellent addition to your library or the library of your favorite Trekker" - Geekstronomy

Read more less

Book SynopsisPacked with slasher movie reviews and illustrated with an extensive collection of distinctive and often graphic colour poster artwork, The Teenage Slasher Movie Book also looks at the political, cultural, and social influences on the slasher movie and its own effect on other film genres. The slasher movie is the most reviled but successful of horror's subgenres. Taking its cue from Hitchcock, grind-house movies, and the gory Italian giallo thrillers of the 1970s, slasher movies brought a new high in cinematic violence and suspense to mainstream cinema. For six bloody years (1978-1984)-the golden age of slashers-cinema screens and video stores were stalked by homicidal maniacs with murder and mayhem on their minds. The Teenage Slasher Movie Book details the subgenre's surprising beginnings, revels in its g(l)ory days, and discusses its recent resurgence.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn in-depth look at the making of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, featuring rare and previously unseen production art and new and exclusive interviews. Forty years ago, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan saw Kirk and the U.S.S. Enterprise crew face one of the greatest foes in Star Trek history, Khan Noonien Singh, as well as the death of Spock. Celebrate this landmark anniversary by taking a deep dive into the stories behind this iconic science fiction classic. This beautiful coffee-table book is full to the brim with rare and previously unpublished archival material, behind-the-scenes photography, production art, cut scenes, script extracts, and much more, alongside new and exclusive interviews with the creatives, including director Nicholas Meyer.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisContaining more than 2,200 entries from the most current Star Wars film and TV series, discover the vital facts about iconic characters, creatures, locations, vehicles, and technology from a galaxy far, far away.- This in-depth title reveals comprehensive histories of 1,200 characters, from icons like Lando Calrissian and Leia Organa to lesser-known individuals like Max Rebo and Therm Scissorpunch.- From terrifying rancors to adorable porgs, learn about more than 100 fascinating creatures.- Chart your way through the galaxy with more than 275 entries on locations, including Darth Vader's castle on Mustafar and the mystical world between worlds.- Pick your method of transport from more than 275 vehicles, from the legendary Millennium Falcon to the stylish Naboo N-1 starfighter.- Get up to speed with the latest technology, including the Mandalorian's beskar armor, Luke Skywalker's lightsaber, and more than 275 other pieces of equipment.Produced in close collaboration with Lucasfilm, this official title is the most comprehensive reference book of the Star Wars galaxy on the market. Meticulously researched, expertly written, and stunningly illustrated, the Star Wars Encyclopedia is an indispensable guide to that devoted fans and newcomers alike will return to time and again.First published as Ultimate Star Wars (2015) and Ultimate Star Wars New Edition (2019). & TM 2024 LUCASFILM LTD.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom Raiders of the Lost Ark to The Kingdom of the Crystal SkullThe man with the hat is back-in the definitive behind-the-scenes look at the Indiana Jones epic action saga.When George Lucas and Steven Spielberg put their heads together to create a no-holds-barred action-adventure movie, bigger-than-life hero Indiana Jones was born. The rest is breathtaking, record-breaking box-office history. Now comes an all-new Indiana Jones feature film: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Here’s your chance to go on location for an up-close, all-access tour of the year’s most eagerly anticipated blockbuster, as well as the classics. The Complete Making of Indiana Jones is a crash course in movie magic-making-showcasing the masters of the craft and served up by veteran entertainment chroniclers J. W. Rinzler and Laurent Bouzereau. Inside you’ll find:• exclusive on-set interviews with the entire cast and crew of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, including Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett, Ray Winstone, and John Hurt-plus director Steven Spielberg, executive producer George Lucas, screenwriter David Koepp, and the incredible production team that built some of the most fantastic sets ever.• hundreds of full-color images-from storyboards, concept paintings, and set design schematics to still photos from all four films with candid action shots of the productions in progress• an in-depth chronicle of the making of the first three Indiana Jones movies-Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade-including transcripts of the original concept meetings, cast and crew anecdotes, production photos, and information on scenes that were cut from the final films• never-before-seen artwork and archival gems from the Lucasfilm Archives• and much more!Don’t miss the thrilling new movie or this definitive making-of opus. It’s as essential to fans as that trusty bullwhip is to Indy!

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the complete history of Godzilla in this definitive, official guide to the King of the Monsters. Godzilla: The Official Guide to the King of the Monsters celebrates more than 60 years of movie mayhem in an exceptional, fully illustrated book. An official publication in partnership with Toho Co., this must-read guide brings together every incarnation of the world's most famous creature for the first time – including all the Japanese and Western movies, as well as Godzilla's most celebrated appearances in TV, comics and video games.Inside you'll find detailed reviews, spectacular stills and behind-the-scenes images from every Godzilla movie, from 1954's Gojira to 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong, along with countless insights into the making of one of cinema's most enduring, innovative and successful franchises. Packed with essential info, incredible trivia and stunning artwork, this is the ultimate illustrated reference to all things Godzilla.Table of ContentsMovies: Synopses, details and behind-the-scenes images from every Godzilla movie: Gojira, Godzilla Raids Again, King Kong vs. Godzilla, Mothra vs. Godzilla, Ghidorah, the Three-Headed Monster, Invasion of Astro-Monster, Ebirah, Horror of the Deep, Son of Godzilla, Destroy All Monsters, All Monsters Attack, Godzilla vs. Hedorah, Godzilla vs. Gigan, Godzilla vs. Megalon, Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla, Terror of Mechagodzilla, The Return of Godzilla, Godzilla vs. Biollante, Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, Godzilla vs. Mothra, Godzilla vs. Mechgodzilla II, Godzilla vs. Spacegodzilla, Godzilla vs. Destroyah, Godzilla 2000: Millennium, Godzilla vs. Megaguirus, Godzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack, Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla, Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S., Godzilla: Final Wars, Shin Godzilla, Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters, Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle, Godzilla: The Planet Eater, Godzilla (1998), Godzilla (2014), Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong. Other media: An extensive exploration of Godzilla in comics, television and video games.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Worlds of Dune presents a deep dive into the many different strands of inspiration, from Zen Buddhism to Indigenous American tribal ritual, that Frank Herbert wove into Dune and its sequels – collectively the world's bestselling science-fiction epic. Table of ContentsIntroduction: The Maker Part One ARRAKIS Chapter One: Desert Planet Chapter Two: The Fremen Chapter Three: The Spice Part Two CALADAN Chapter Four: House Atreides Chapter Five: Paul Muad’dib Chapter Six: Lady Jessica and the Bene Gesserit Part Three GIEDI PRIME Chapter Seven: House Harkonnen Chapter Eight: Piter De Vries and the Mentats Chapter Nine: The CHOAM Corporation Part Four KAITAIN Chapter Ten: House Corrino and the Padishah Emperor Chapter Eleven: The Landsraad Chapter Twelve: The Spacing Guild Epilogue: Dune World Endnotes Bibliography Index Picture Credits About the Author & Acknowledgements

Read more less

Book SynopsisDana Polan is Martin Scorsese Professor of Cinema Studies at the Tisch School of the Arts, New York University, USA. His books include Power and Paranoia: History, Narrative, and the American Cinema, 1940-1950 (1986), In a Lonely Place (BFI Film Classics, 1993), Pulp Fiction (BFI Film Classics, 2000) and Dreams of Flight: The Great Escape in American Film and Culture (2021).

Read more less

Book SynopsisFor many, Blue Velvet is David Lynch's masterpiece. It represents a unique act of cinema: an 80s Hollywood studio film as radical, visionary and cabalistic as anything found in the avant-garde; a mysteriously symbolic and subterranean 'cult' movie that nevertheless has recognisable stars and was broadly distributed; a genre piece with the ambience of a fearsome, hyper-composed nightmare; an American 'art film' by Hollywood's only reputable 'art film' director. Michael Atkinson’s intricate and layered reading of the film shows how crystallises many of Lynch’s chief preoccupations: the evil and violence underlying the surface of suburbia, the seedy by-ways of sexuality, the frightening appearance of the adult world to a child's eyes, presenting it as the definitive expression of the traumatized innocence which characterizes Lynch's work. In his afterword to this new edition, Atkinson situates Blue Velvet within a culture that has changed drastically in the 35 years since its release, and in doing so, he considers the film's lasting significance as it slowly turns from contemporary phenomenon to an interpretable artifact.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments 2021 Foreword 'Blue Velvet' Notes Credits Bibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisKristin Baver is the Associate Editor of StarWars.com, covering Star Wars news, writing interview features on George Lucas and other important figures in the Star Wars galaxy, as well as spotlighting the dedicated fan community and their impressive and imaginative creations. She is the host of This Week! in Star Wars and The Star Wars Show Book Club. She previously worked as an award-winning journalist covering crime and social issues in central Pennsylvania, but now lives with her cat, Hector Smidget, in San Francisco, California.Jason Fry is the author of more than 50 books and short stories set in the Star Wars galaxy, including The Weapon of a Jedi, The Essential Atlas, the Servants of the Empire quartet and the novelization of The Last Jedi. He is also the author of the Jupiter Pirates space-fantasy series. He lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., with his wife, son and about a metric ton of Star Wars stuff.Cole Horton is the author or co-author of a dozen Star Wars books, including Star Wars: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know and Star Wars Galaxy's Edge: A Traveler's Guide to Batuu. He has contributed to StarWars.com, Marvel.com, and runDisney. As a brand manager and consumer researcher, he has worked on a number of video games including Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes, Star Wars Battlefront II, and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.Amy Richau writes about pop culture and film history. She's the author of Star Wars I Love You. I Know.: Lessons in Love and Friendship and her work has appeared in StarWars.com, StarTrek.com, Star Wars Insider magazine, and Nerdist. She was a researcher and appeared in the docu-series Looking for Leia and worked for many years as a film preservationist. Amy lives outside Boulder, Colorado, with her husband, two children, and several pets.Clayton Sandell became a massive Star Wars fan at age four, growing up to be an award-winning television news correspondent. He is the co-producer of The Force of Sound, a behind-the-scenes look at the sound design of The Last Jedi. His feature stories explore the far reaches of the Star Wars galaxy, taking audiences beyond the gates of Skywalker Ranch, inside Lucasfilm's Industrial Light & Magic and Skywalker Sound, and to the opening of Star Wars Galaxy's Edge at Disneyland.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn in-depth collector's edition featuring material from the long-awaited all-new Star Wars movie, The Rise of Skywalker, including interviews with the cast and crew and exclusive imagery. A behind-the-scenes insight into the Forces behind Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker. Delve into the insight from the cast and crew, with exclusive images to show the galaxy in a way you've never seen before!

Read more less

Book SynopsisThelma & Louise, directed by Ridley Scott and written by Callie Khouri, sparked a remarkable public discussion about feminism, violence, and the representation of women in cinema on its release in 1991. Subject to media vilification for its apparent justification of armed robbery and manslaughter, it was a huge hit with audiences composed largely but not exclusively of women who cheered the fugitive central characters played by Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis. Marita Sturken examines Thelma & Louise as one of those rare films that encapsulates the politics of its time. She discusses the film's reworking of the outlaw genre, its reversal of gender roles, and its engagement with the complex relationship of women, guns adn the law. The insights of director Scott, screenwriter Khouri as well as Davis and Sarandon are deployed in an analysis of Thelma & Louise and the controversies it sparked. This is a compelling study of a landmark in 1990s American cinema. In her foreword to this new edition, Sturken looks back on the film's reception at the time of its release, and considers its continuing resonances and topicality in the age of #MeToo.Table of ContentsForeword to the 2020 Edition Acknowledgments Thelma & Louise Notes Credits

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this first special collection celebrating the Star Wars phenomenon, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill's very first Star Wars interviews are revealed, George Lucas discusses his surprising plans for the spin-off Star Wars fiction and more. There are also specially written commentaries from the Star Wars Insider editor giving behind the scenes insight.

Read more less

Book SynopsisDiscover the secrets of Christopher Nolan's Tenet with this exclusive behind-the-scenes look at 2020's most anticipated film. In 2020, director Christopher Nolan returns with Tenet, an action epic evolving from the world of international espionage. This deluxe book takes fans through the full creative journey that brought Tenet to the screen, from the genesis of Nolan's uniquely imaginative script through to the cutting edge techniques used to realise the film's innovative action sequences. Featuring exclusive interviews with the director and his crew, including producer Emma Thomas and production designer Nathan Crowley, The Making of Tenet is a can't-miss companion to Nolan's thrilling new masterpiece.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis guide is a collection of reviews for the 1,000 most important, popular, and influential films of nearly a century of cinema from the first talkies to modern blockbusters and indie sleepers.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWondering what to watch next? Discover a new movie or a new director among David Stratton's personal favourites!These are the movies Australia's best-loved film critic, David Stratton, has watched again and again. There are dramas, comedies, thrillers, musicals, westerns and arthouse classics from a century of filmmaking. From Casablanca to The Big Sleep, On the Waterfront to Lorenzo's Oil, and Jaws to Animal Kingdom, here are hundreds of hours of great entertainment.Each movie is reviewed, with details and behind-the-scenes stories that will enhance your experience of movies you have seen before. David has met many of the directors and actors, and he includes anecdotes and memories you won't find anywhere else.Keep David Stratton's My Favourite Movies on your coffee table, and you'll find yourself dipping into it time and time again.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA collection of essays on the creme de la creme of the silver screen, each one a model of critical appreciation and a blend of love and analysis that sends readers back to the films with a fresh set of eyes and renewed enthusiasm.Trade Review"Roger Ebert's take-no-prisoners essays packed with insidery insights will send movie lovers back to the sofa for a second look at old favorites like Cool Hand Luke and My Fair Lady while introducing more offbeat picks like Sansho the Bailiff and Pixote." (Parade) "Ebert offers informed critical appraisals, as well as background on the movie's making and significance, that make these pieces rewarding for film buffs and ideal introductions for first-time viewers." (Booklist) "No one has done as much as Ebert to connect the creators of movies with their consumers. He has immense power, and he's used it for good, as an apostle of the cinema." (Richard Corliss, Time)"

Read more less

Book SynopsisOn release in the 1930s, Snow White became a milestone in animated film, Disney production and the US box office. Today its fans cross generations and continents, proving that this tale of the loveable, banished princess and her seven outstanding friends possesses a special magic that makes it both an all-time Disney great and a true film classic.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is one of the best-loved films of Classical Hollywood cinema, a story of despair and redemption in the aftermath of war that is one of the central movies of the 1940s, and a key text in America’s understanding of itself. This is a film that remains relevant to our own anxieties and yearnings, to all the contradictions of ordinary life, while also enacting for us the quintessence of the classic Hollywood aesthetic. Nostalgia, humour, and a tough resilience weave themselves through this movie, intertwining it with the fraught cultural moment of the end of World War II that saw its birth. It offers a still compelling merging of fantasy and realism that was utterly unique when it was first released, and has rarely been matched since. Michael Newton's study of the film investigates the source of its extraordinary power and its long-lasting impact. He begins by introducing the key figures in the movie’s production - notably director Frank Capra and star James Stewart - and traces the making of the film, and then provides a brief synopsis of the film, considering its aesthetic processes and procedures, touching on all those things that make it such an astonishing film. Newton's careful analysis explores all those aspects of the film that are fundamental to our understanding of it, particularly the way in which the film brings tragedy and comedy together. Finally, Newton tells the story of the film’s reception and afterlife, accounting for its initial relative failure and its subsequent immense popularity.Trade ReviewMichael Newton’s story of the making of Frank Capra’s 1946 movie is full of quirky facts. -- Martin Chilton * The Independent *Digging into the film’s roots and post-war background, Newton is rigorous on its politics, populism and fraught production history, and generous with the minutiae of on-set accidents and more. But what emerges clearest is Capra’s abiding faith in feeling and beauty. -- Kevin Harley * Total Film *Michael Newton’s excellent study, part of the BFI’s Film Classics series, looks at the movie’s creation, the vital contributions of Capra and the film’s star, James Stewart, a brief summary of the plot and an examination of why it has proved to be so enduring. * Choice *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction to It's a Wonderful Life and key figures in its production history Analysis of It's a Wonderful Life Reception and Afterlife Notes Credits

Read more less

Book SynopsisAuthor Barry Stone has served his apprenticeship as a western movie geek and aficionado. The Magnificent Seven, The Wild Bunch, Red River - for 50 years the western has been the only genre in a life that 'just ain't big enough for two'. He has written on the history of cinema for the illustrated reference book Historica, is a regular attendee to western premieres for FOX Studios Australia, and was recently a guest of the Museum of Western Film History in Independence, California.Intrigued by the idea of frontier wilderness, of law and order vs lawlessness, and a firm belief that 'the better the bad guy, the better the film', he goes beyond the American south-west to pay homage to the Italian and even Australian western - and, after much deliberation, he ranks them in order.

Read more less

Book SynopsisPablo Hidalgo has been writing professionally about Star Wars since 1995. In 2000, he joined Lucasfilm to become a full-time Star Wars authority, first as a StarWars.com writer, and now as a creative executive in story development. He has written or co-written several authoritative Star Wars reference books, including DK's best-selling Star Wars: The Force Awakens The Visual Dictionary, Star Wars: Rogue One The Ultimate Visual Guide, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi Visual Dictionary. He lives in San Francisco.

Read more less

Book SynopsisWidely believed to be Terry Gilliam''s best film, Brazil''s brilliantly imaginative vision of a retro-futuristic bureaucracy has had a lasting influence on genre cinema. Exploring its complex history and relationship with other dystopias, Paul McAuley explains why this satire on the unchecked power of the state is more relevant than ever.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOrder in the Court!Star Wars: the most significant, powerful myth of the twenty-first century or morally bankrupt military fantasy?Six films. Countless books. $20 billion in revenue. No one can question the financial value or cultural impact of the Star Wars film franchise. But has the impact been for the good?In Star Wars on Trial's courtroom—Droid Judge presiding—Star Wars stands accused of elitist politics and sexism, religious and ethical lapses, the destruction of literary science fiction and science fiction film, and numerous plot holes and logical gaps.Supported by a witness list of bestselling science fiction authors, David Brin (for the prosecution) and Matthew Woodring Stover (for the defense) debate these charges and more before delivering their closing statements.The verdict? That's up to you.Covering the films from A New Hope to The Force Awakens, Brin and Stover provide new forewords that explore the newest generation of Star Wars films and what JJ Abrams must do to live up to—or redeem—the franchise.

Read more less

Book SynopsisSuitable for those who have ever walked into a video store and been so overwhelmed that they rented a movie they had already seen twice, this book unearths 151 movies that the author thinks have been unfairly under-rated, and explains why.Trade Review"Maltin's still king of the succinct review, making [Leonard Matlin's 151 Best Movies You've Never Seen] a handy reference for cineasts who think they've seen it all." -- Booklist

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis book probes the feminist faultlines in Derrida's thought and generates original feminist insight into key concerns of contemporary film studies, including spectatorship, realism vs artifice, narrative, adaptation, auto/biography and the still.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe 2010s might be remembered as a time of increased polarization in American life. The decade contained both the Obama era and the Trump era, and as the nation’s political fissures widened, so did the gap between the haves and have-nots. Hollywood reflected these divisions, choosing to concentrate on big franchise blockbusters at the expense of mid-budget films, while new players like Netflix and Amazon offered fresh opportunities for low-budget and independent filmmakers. As the movie business changed, films ranging from American Sniper to Get Out found ways to speak to the concerns of a divided nation. The newest installment in the Screen Decades series, American Cinema in the 2010s takes a close look at the memorable movies, visionary filmmakers, and behind-the-scenes drama that made this decade such an exciting time to be a moviegoer. Each chapter offers an in-depth examination of a specific year, covering a wide variety of films, from blockbuster superhero movies like Black Panther and animated films like Frozen to smaller-budget biopics like I, Tonya and horror films like Hereditary. This volume introduces readers to a decade in which established auteurs like Quentin Tarantino were joined by an exceptionally diverse set of new talents, taking American cinema in new directions. Trade Review"American Cinema of the 2010s offers a lively compendium of insights about the complicated relationship between Hollywood cinema and the cultural zeitgeist." -- Virginia Wexman * editor of Directing *Table of ContentsTimeline: 2010s Introduction: Movies and the 2010s DENNIS BINGHAM 2010 Movies and Recessionary Gender Politics MICHELE SCHREIBER 2011 Movies and Masculinity at a Crossroads DAVID GREVEN 2012 Movies and Myths, Heroes, and History RAYMOND HABERSKI JR. 2013 Movies and Personhood ALEXANDRA KELLER 2014 Movies and the Unexpected Virtue of How the Sausage Gets Made DANIEL SMITH-ROWSEY 2015 Movies and Female Agency LISA BODE 2016 Movies and the Solace of Progressive Narratives CYNTHIA BARON 2017 Movies and the Right to Be Heard JULIE LEVINSON 2018 Movies and Revolution MIKAL J. GAINES 2019 Movies, Anniversaries, and the Limits of Looking Back DENNIS BINGHAM Select Academy Awards, 2010–2019 Acknowledgments Works Cited and Consulted Contributors Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisProviding a comprehensive exploration of his groundbreaking achievements in cinema, the book considers Schrader's more overlooked films and provides new insights to their connection with his celebrated work in direction and screenwriting such as Taxi Driver (1976), Cat People (1982) and The Comfort of Strangers (1990).Trade Review"As a filmmaker and as an essayist, Paul Schrader has always been focused on the life of spirit, often under the most debased conditions and shocking circumstances. That focus, as a writer and as a director, has resulted in several truly remarkable pictures. We’ve worked together on and off throughout the better part of our lives. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been fruitful and, quite often, revelatory. Truly, I don’t know where the art of cinema would be without his work, his mind, and his presence. This collection is a just and illuminating tribute to the work of a very important artist." - Martin ScorseseTable of ContentsAcknowledgements Contributors Introduction: Taxi Driver Forward - Brian Brems and Michelle E. Moore Schrader and Style - Erik M. Bachman Movement and Meaning: The "unmotivated" Camera in Four Films by Paul Schrader - Deborah Allison Late Schrader: From the Canon to the Canyons - BillyStevenson "Thinking White:" Performing Racial Tension in Blue Collar - Scott Balcerzak Prophets and Zealots: Paul Schrader's Adaptations of The Mosquito Coast and The Last Temptation of Christ - Erica Moulton "So I find another form of expression": Art and Life/Art in Life in Paul Schrader’s Mishima: A Life in Four Chapters - Thomas Prasch Schrader’s Women: Cat People and Patty Hearst - Brian Brems Paul Schrader’s Experiment in Italian Neo-decadence: The Comfort of Strangers and the Sadean System - Robert Dassanowsky "Just Being Transparent Baby": Surveillance Culture, Digitization and Self-Regulation in Paul Schrader’s The Canyons - James Slaymaker "Every Act of Preservation Is an Act of Creation": Paul Schrader’s Eco-Theology in First Reformed - Tatiana Prorokova Leaning on the Everlasting Arms: Love and Silence in First Reformed - Robert Ribera Interview with Paul Schrader conducted by Michelle E. Moore and Brian Brems on 9/27/2018 at the Rail Line Diner, NY Filmography Bibliography

Read more less

Book SynopsisAre you tired of trawling through movies you don't recognise on Netflix? Sick of reading short film descriptions that sound boring? Don't know what to watch next?Let leading film critic David Stratton introduce you to 101 movies that you probably haven't heard of, and tell you why they are worth seeing.David Stratton's selection of overlooked gems includes movies from such well-known directors as David Lynch, Ang Lee and Sydney Lumet. They star popular actors such as Dustin Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Sean Connery, Cate Blanchett, Clint Eastwood, Paul Newman, Greta Scacchi, Robert Redford and Jack Nicholson. They include comedies, thrillers, westerns, musicals and romances, and were produced from the 1980s through to the past few years. A perfect gift for anyone who relishes a cosy night at home with a good movie.Trade Review'Fun to flick through while selecting your next movie' - Jeff Popple'An invaluable book for those wishing to enlarge their movie repertoire but seeking out cinematograph delights that may have been previously missed. I know I've complied a long list of gems for future viewing.' - John Hagan'101 Marvellous Movies is a great book to pass around at Christmas or a group party.' - Brisbanista

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisFeaturing production art and photography from the eagerly anticipated new film Chappie, starring Hugh Jackman with Sigourney Weaver! Chappie is an upcoming film directed by Neill Blomkamp (District 9, Elysium), written by Neill Blomkamp & Terri Tatchell. The film stars Sharlto Copley (Elysium, The A-Team), Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire), Ninja and Yo-Landi Vi$$er, Jose Pablo Cantillo (The Walking Dead).Trade Review"Most of the book is dedicated to this kind of almost happy-go-lucky customization that the artwork evolves through, and it’s pretty awesome flipping the pages as different pieces of the project take shape." - Midroad Movie Review"You won't regret reading it, because it's something different and beautifully dark for adult readers. It's one of the best and most fascinating retellings of Snow White available." - Artbook Passion"Very well put together." - City of Films"If you are like me, fascinated with the art of filmmaking, and behind the scenes information from character design to set design this is one you will want to pick up." - Watch Play Read"If you want further exploration into the movie and interested in the world building aspects, the way cool mech designs and shooting locations of Chappie, then Chappie: The Art of the Movie should be picked up and added to your library shelf." - Retrenders"It’s hard to believe that there’s any piece of information about the production of “Chappie” that isn’t included here." - Roger Ebert.com

Read more less

Book SynopsisWelcome to the jungle. The origin of one of cinema's most beloved and most fearsome monsters is explained in Kong: Skull Island. This official companion to the blockbuster movie features the breath-taking art, storyboards, designs, and set photos that conjure King Kong's world. Interviews with the crew and all-star cast explain how they brought the beast to life.Trade Review“great coffee table book read that is beautifully presented with thick pages and vibrant images that just scream from the page.” Impulse Gamer“recommended for the impressive art and the skills of the artists it showcases” - Cinema Sentries “A great coffee table book, you don’t have to be a fan of the film to appreciate the work that took Skull Island from concept to the big screen. Simon Ward and Titan Books put together a great companion to the movie” - Project Fandom

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe making of the Star Wars saga, as told by the cast and crew. In this third special collection celebrating the Star Wars phenomenon, the appeal of intergalactic supervillain Darth Vader, writer Lawrence Kasdan share secrets of the creative process on Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the cast and crew of Revenge of the Sith look back on the third chapter of the Star Wars saga! Each volume brings together a collection of the best of the official Star Wars Insider magazine content, celebrating the complete Star Wars experience, from movies to books, videogames to comic books, and more! Featuring rare cast and crew interviews, and exclusive behind the scenes pictures, this is an essential read for Star Wars fans of all ages.

Read more less

Book SynopsisY Tu Mamá También (2001), an intelligent and sensual road movie directed by Alfonso Cuarón and co-written by him and his brother Carlos, is both an acclaimed feature by a director who would go on to win Oscars and a box office success abroad and in its native Mexico, where it was the biggest grossing local film of all time. Its teenage protagonists Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna went on to be major stars of global cinema. Yet on its release the film was vilified by established Mexican critics as a coarse comedy and ‘Penthouse fantasy’ of youthful lust for an older woman. Paul Julian Smith's lucid study of the film argues that Y Tu Mamá También not only addresses with playful seriousness such major issues as gender, race, class, and space, which are yet more urgent now than they were on its release; but that the film’s apparently casual aesthetic masks a sophisticated audiovisual style, one which brings together popular genre film and auteurist experiment. Smith suggests Y Tu Mamá También remains an example for world cinema of how a very local film can connect with a global audience that is ignorant of such niceties. Combining production and distribution history, based on unexplored material held in Mexico City archives, with close textual analysis, Smith makes an argument for Cuarón’s film as an enduring masterpiece that hides in plain sight as an ephemeral teen movie.Trade Review[An] illuminating study. -- Miranda France * Times Literary Supplement *Smith writes with the fluency of an award-winning journalist and the analytical sharpness of the leading academic that he is. This is an essential and highly readable book for anyone who wants to learn the story of Y tu mamá también and understand how it has become a classic film of Mexican and international cinema. -- Deborah Shaw, University of Portsmouth, UKPaul Julian Smith combines a breadth of knowledge of Mexican film with insights from online fan cultures in this broad ranging, distinctive, and highly readable book. It is a must for those studying both Y tu mama también and Mexican film culture. -- Niamh Thornton, Liverpool University, UKPaul Julian Smith has written the essential book on what I consider to be Mexico’s best film of the century so far. With a deep knowledge of its production and circulation, this book provides readers not only with a comprehensive study of Y tu mamá también, but also with a model on how to write a book that is at the same time rigorous and readable. -- Ignacio M. Sánchez Prado, Washington University in St. Louis, USA.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction: Still Charolastras 1. Pop Kills Poetry? 2. Alternative Routes 3. Sound and Vision 4. Sweat and Stardom 5. Afterlives Notes Credits

Read more less

Book SynopsisEarning critical acclaim and commercial success upon its 1998 release, Rushmore—the sophomore film of American auteur Wes Anderson—quickly gained the status of a cult classic. A melancholic coming-of-age story wrapped in comedy drama, Rushmore focuses on the efforts of Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman)—a brazen and precocious fifteen-year-old—to find his way. Restless, energetic, struggling, and overcompensating for his insecurities, Max pursues a dizzying range of possible futures, leading him into the orbit of local steel magnate Herman Blume (Bill Murray), elementary school teacher Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams), and a host of cooperative schoolmates who help him to stage lavish film-derivative plays. Kristi McKim’s compelling study of the film argues that despite the film’s titular call for haste and excess (rush/more), it challenges a drive toward perfectionism and celebrates the quiet connections that defy such passion and speed. After establishing Rushmore’s history and reception, McKim closely reads Rushmore’s energetic musical montages relative to slower moments that introduce tenderness and ambiguity, in a form subtler than Max’s desire-built drive or genre-based plays. Her analysis offers an urgent corrective to what might be perceived as an endearing portrait of privilege that perpetuates a status quo power. Drawing out Rushmore’s subtleties that soften, temper, ease, expand, and equalize the film’s zeal, she reads the film with a generosity learned from the film itself.Table of ContentsPreface: Making Rushmore New, Now Introduction 1 Context 2 Rush/More 3 Slowness/Grace 4 A World of Time (Not Things) 5 Teaching and Learning Notes Credits

Read more less

Book SynopsisEndlessly fascinating, dark and bright, The Red Shoes (1948) employs every branch of the cinematic arts to sweep the audience off its feet, invigorated by the transcendence of art itself, only to leave them with troubling questions. Representing the climax of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's celebrated run of six exceptional feature films, the film remains a beloved, if unsettling and often divisive, classic. Pamela Hutchinson's study of the film examines its breathtaking use of Technicolor, music, choreography, editing and art direction at the zenith of Powell and Pressburger’s capacity for ‘composed cinema’. Through a close reading of key scenes, particularly the film's famous extended ballet sequence, she considers the unconventional use of ballet as uncanny spectacle and the feminist implications of the central story of female sacrifice. Hutchinson goes on to consider the film's lasting and wide-reaching influence, tracing its impact on the film musical genre and horror cinema, with filmmakers such as Joanna Hogg, Sally Potter, Martin Scorsese and Brian De Palma having cited the film as an inspiration.Trade ReviewHutchinson knows how to be both expansive and economical with an expert’s confidence and a fan’s enthusiasm. -- Hannah McGill * Sight & Sound *[Hutchinson is] en pointe on everything from the ballet’s ecstatic agony and queer readings to the film’s influence, and at her best showing how Shoes frames a key question: ‘How far would you go for art?’ -- Kevin Harley * Total Film *Unmissable … The Red Shoes employs the slyest wit as it teases out a kaleidoscope of themes in the greatest of all ballet films. -- Donald Clarke * The Irish Times *Fans of Powell and Pressburger’s tale of artistic obsession will pirouette their way through Pamela Hutchinson’s wonderful essay in one sitting. The pocket-sized book is packed with history, anecdotes and a view of the film so en pointe it’ll have you jeté-ing back to the screen with fresh eyes. * Sight & Sound, Books of the Year *Stuffed with insight and background. -- Robin Ashenden * The Spectator *The films of Powell and Pressburger continue to hold their power – and this guide to their ballet-based classic coincides with the BFI’s expansive season bringing their films back to the big screen. Across 100-plus pages, this paperback delves into the making of the film, and unpicks its thematic resonances. * Empire *An excellent close reading … A record of remarkable artistic freedom made possible for a prolifically imaginative director and writer to cast their spells, enthusiasm and love. * London Grip *A fascinating examination of Powell and Pressburger’s 1948 cinematic masterpiece. * Choice *Table of ContentsAcknowledgments 1.First position: ‘Put on the red shoes, Vicky’ 2.Overture: the rabbit in the hat 3.Pas de deux: Powell and Pressburger 4.The company: ‘enough genius in each man or woman’ 5.Balletomania: ‘To live? To dance.’ 6.The ballet: ‘I am that horror’ 7.Coda: ‘doubtful comforts’ Notes Credits

Read more less

Book SynopsisExplore the magical, mysterious world of Korean cinema, in this new book from the authors of Ghibliotheque.'A book for both the well-versed and the newcomer.'-EMPIREFrom smash hits such as Parasite to cult favourites Oldboy, The Handmaiden and Train to Busan, Korean cinema is a hotbed of creative talent and the force behind the most exciting, captivating filmmaking in the world right now.In this essential guide to the country's cinematic story, Michael Leader and Jake Cunningham - authors and hosts of the hit podcast Ghibliotheque - guide you through the must-see films from a century of Korean movies.Exploring 30 movies, from the breakout hits to deeper cuts, hidden gems and future classics, Film Korea is a gateway to everything you need to know about the white-hot world of Korean cinema. Combining reviews and director biographies with recommended further viewing and a catalogue of beautiful film stills and movie posters, this is your one-stop guide to an incredible, captivating artform.

Read more less