Film: styles and genres Books

Book SynopsisThe Hollywood War Film introduces the theory, history, stars, and major films constituting this evergreen genre. From untested young recruits and battle-hardened warriors to ferocious drill instructors and stereotypical enemies, this volume offers readers lively entry into the major conventions of the war film genre.Trade Review"Free of theoretical jargon and labyrinthine argumentation, with long-winded yet stimulating plot summaries, The Hollywood War Film is first and foremost recommended to students of film and cinema buffs who are getting acquainted with critical perspectives on the genre." (Hollywood Enlisted, 2010) Table of ContentsList of Plates. Acknowledgments. Introduction. 1. Historical Overview. 2. Critical Issues. 3. All Quiet on the Western Front (1930). 4. Destination Tokyo (1943) and Retaliation Films. 5. Platoon (1986) and Full Metal Jacket (1987). 6. Glory (1989). 7. The Iraq Wars on Film. 8. Iwo Jima. Notes. Index.

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Book SynopsisA History of the American Musical narrates the evolution of the film musical genre, discussing its influences and how it has come to be defined; the first text on this subject for over two decades, it employs the very latest concepts and research. The most up-to-date text on the subject, with uniquely comprehensive coverage and employing the very latest concepts and research Surveys centuries of music history from the music and dance of Native Americans to contemporary music performance in streaming media Examines the different ways the film musical genre has been defined, what gets counted as a musical, why, and who gets to make that decision The text is written in an accessible manner for general cinema and musical theatre buffs, whilst retaining theoretical rigour in research Describes the contributions made to the genre by marginalized or subordinated identity groups who have helped invent and shape the musical <Table of ContentsAcknowledgments vii Introduction 1 1 Overture: Musical Traditions before Cinema 11 2 You Ain’t Heard Nothin’ Yet: The Sound Revolution 35 3 Face the Music and Dance: The Depression 67 4 Singing a Song of Freedom: World War II 97 5 There’s Beauty Everywhere: MGM and the Freed Unit 125 6 Something’s Gotta Give: The Postwar Musical 147 7 Bustin’ Out All Over: The Rise of the Musical Blockbuster 175 8 In a Minor Key: The B Musical and Beyond 197 9 The Sound of Money: Musicals in the 1960s 225 10 Whistling in the Dark: A Genre in Crisis 251 11 Can’t Stop the Music: Musicals and the New Hollywood 279 12 Just Like Scheherezade: Reviving the Musical Film Genre 307 Index 335

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Book SynopsisNow in its fifth edition, Frank Beaver's Dictionary of Film Terms has become an indispensable reference tool for the study of films and filmmaking. This trusted and practical handbook clearly and concisely defines the essential terms of film analysis and film art, with a special focus on the aesthetic parameters and values of filmmaking.The updated and expanded edition includes new definitions ranging from bullet-time optical effects, to the coming-of-age narrative, and LED lighting technology in science fiction films such as Gravity. More than 200 film title references not cited in previous editions have been added. Many classic and contemporary photo stills are included to illustrate terms. Extensive cross-referencing among individual definitions ensures easy access to interrelated terms, and a comprehensive topical index relates to larger concepts of film art.This up-to-date and comprehensive resource is a useful companion for film students and filmgoers, whoTrade Review«The beauty of Frank Beaver's Dictionary of Film Terms is not simply the precision and depth of the individual entries, nor the range of film beyond the Hollywood narrative that is covers, but the citation of a broad range of concrete examples for many of the entries. Beaver's command of motion picture history shines through. He assembles excellent examples – both historical and contemporary – that help the reader call to mind the specific film technique, technical process, narrative device, genre, etc. Beaver's Dictionary is anything but dry Ὰ it's more like reading an enlightening catalog of all the things we love about motion pictures.» (Michael Frierson, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro) «I was so fortunate to get Frank Beaver's Dictionary of Film Terms in my first ever film class. This updated edition promises to deliver on multiple cylinders for the new generation of filmmakers. It expands to cover new trends in the film industry, technological developments, as well as exhibition platforms. It is concise while also managing to be thorough and cover a plethora of subjects. Not only does it provide a platform for understanding individual film topics, it also helps one understand how different elements of cinema are connected. Talking the talk is an essential part of navigating the film industry, from production to development, and this handbook will equip you with the tools to get where you need to go.» (Sultan Sharrief, Award-Winning Filmmaker/Media Educator) «As cinema’s Samuel Johnson, Frank Beaver has thoroughly catalogued the essential terms used in the world of film production and scholarship. He has, for decades, been a trusted guide and companion, helping us to fluently negotiate the many tongues of the motion picture medium. The practitioner, the scholar, the student and the film buff, will all find this text an essential reference.» (Mick Hurbis-Cherrier, Hunter College – CUNY)Table of ContentsContents: Term Index – Movie Index – Topical Index – Artist Index.

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Book SynopsisUpon its initial release in 1977, many critics regarded Star Wars as a childish retort to the mature American cinema of the seventies. Though full of sound and fury, some felt that it signified nothing. Four decades later, the significations are multiple as interpretations of the film's strange imagery and metaphoric potential continue to pile up. Interpreting Star Wars analyses and contextualises the dominant trends in Star Wars interpretation from the earliest reviews, through Lucasfilm's attempts to use its position as copyright holder to promote a single meaning, to the 21st century where the internet has rendered such authorial control impossible and new entries to the canon present new twists on old hopes.Trade ReviewInterpreting Star Wars does something unique and important: it traces the cultural shifts of a broader culture when examining the products of the franchise, itself. As a result, Interpreting Star Wars is a work allowing for a deep insight on how each film interacted with the time period of its release as well as its influence moving forward. Especially cogent are Booy’s look at the religious and mythic underpinnings of the series and how those foundations is a pathway understanding the abilities of the franchise to both reflect and influence culture. This is a must-have book both for fans and for scholars. * Matthew Wilhelm Kapell, editor of Finding the Force in the Star Wars Franchise (2006) and Adjunct Professor of American Studies and English, Pace University, USA *So many thousands of words have been written about the Star Wars phenomenon that one started to wonder whether there was anything left to say. As this carefully researched, engagingly written and often strikingly original book demonstrates, the answer is yes, there is. Even for the most well-informed scholar and the most dedicated fan much is to be learned here. The emphasis is on the evolution of the Star Wars universe across more than four decades, on how the increasing number of stories set in it relate to each other and on how ever-changing currents of critical writing have generated a wealth of interpretations. * Peter Krämer, author of 2001: A Space Odyssey (2020), Dr. Strangelove (2019) and The General (2019) *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Star Wars vs. Secularity 2. Leftist Political Critique 3. Late Seventies Promotion and Spin-off Materials 4. Myth Criticism 5. The Liberation Reading 6. Prequels and Sequels Conclusion Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisThor: Ragnarok The Official Collector's Edition is a unique, behind-the-scenes, visual celebration exploring Marvel Studios' latest blockbuster movie.Presenting unseen behind the scenes photos from the movie sets, stunning concept art, and secrets from the set, with star interviews including Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett and Mark Ruffalo. This deluxe collector's edition is a must-have for all fans of everything Marvel!The stage is set for 2017's far-out fantasy epic, Marvel Studios' Thor: Ragnarok! Go behind the scenes of the epic new movie, with in-depth interviews with the cast and crew, and a complete guide to the worlds of the highly anticipated movie. Along with a gallery of images and concept art, this deluxe publication also features a synopsis of the movie. This is an essential companion to the film for all fans of one of Marvel's mightiest heroes.

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Book SynopsisBlack Panther: The Official Movie Special is a complete visual and behind-the-scenes guide to Marvel Studios' highly anticipated next movie.With exclusive behind the scenes photos from the movie sets, stunning concept art revealing the beautiful, secretive nation of Wakanda, interviews with the stars of the film, including Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis, Martin Freeman, Forest Whitaker and Danai Gurira, this stunning collector's book is a must-have for all fans of everything Marvel!Trade Review“This book has everything for fans dying to know more about how Coogler’s Black Panther movie came together” - Entertainment Weekly"A true collectors item and I deem it as a must have for any fan of the Black Panther movie or the entire MCU." - The Pullbox"The concept art used throughout is beautiful to look at" - Nerdly"a must-have for all fans of everything Marvel! ... beautifully informative volume " -- Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisAn in-depth behind-the-scenes guide to the upcoming Marvel film Spider-Man: Far From Home.A deluxe collector's edition based on the sequel to Marvel Cinematic success Spider-Man Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home.Trade Review"The perfect companion piece to the 22nd MCU film" - Marvel.com

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Book SynopsisAn in-depth behind-the-scenes guide to the forthcoming Avengers: Infinity War sequel, Avengers: Endgame!A deluxe collector's edition detailing the follow-up film to the epic cinematic phenomenon Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame. Go behind the scenes on the highly aniticipated Marvel film.Trade Review"To any fan of the MCU, this 96-page hardback edition is a must-own" - Geeks of Doom

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Book SynopsisCelebrate the first 10 years of Marvel Studios movies in this collector's edition featuring all of the films from Iron Man to Captain Marvel!Includes interviews with Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chadwick Boseman, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pratt and more, plus Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige and Co-President Louis D'Esposito.Features stunning photography and in-depth sections on each film, including a guide to each movie's Easter Eggs and end-credits scenes.

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Book SynopsisA celebratory guide to Marvel Studios' four epic Avengers movies from The Avengers (2012) to Avengers: Endgame (2019). Includes exclusive interviews with the cast and crew of the super hero films that defined a generation of cinema! Including interviews with Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth and more! Packed with stunning photography and concept art from the biggest films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe!

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Book SynopsisThe official souvenir collector’s guide to Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye, as seen on Disney+.A behind-the-scenes look at Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye, this deluxe book is a must-have for all fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.Featuring interviews with the cast and crew including Clint Barton aka Hawkeye, Jeremy Renner, and co-stars Hailee Steinfeld (Kate Bishop), Florence Pugh (Yelena Belova), Alaqua Cox (Maya Lopez), and Vincent D'Onofrio (Kingpin) this collector’s edition explores the making of the action-packed show including chapters dedicated to fights and stunts, and the stunning costume departments with exclusive photos and art.

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Book SynopsisA deluxe guide to Marvel Studios’ Thor: Love and Thunder including interviews, production art and photos that take readers behind the scenes of the most epic Thor adventure to date!A behind-the-scenes guide to Marvel Studios’ action-packed science fiction adventure movie, Thor: Love and Thunder. This deluxe fully illustrated hardcover edition includes: Chris Hemsworth (Thor) discussing his intense fitness regime to get into shape for his biggest adventure yet, collaborating with Taika Waititi, and the film’s unique romantic humor. Natalie Portman (Jane Foster/The Mighty Thor) on returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, being reunited with Chris Hemsworth after nine years, and the challenges of balancing darkness and comedy. Taika Waititi (Director and Co-Writer) revealing how he created his vision of the Thor movies, why Thor is such a tortured hero, and why he likes to twist the Super Hero genre. Plus interviews with the talented team behind the film’s stunning visual effects, costumes and makeup. Plus amazing production art and photography from the film. A must for all Marvel Studios fans.Trade Review“Avengers: Infinity War: The Official Movie Special is great for fans who want to read more about the film. This 96-page, full-color book makes for a great gift or coffee table book.” – Scifichick.com “Perfect for fans.” – Flickeringmyth.com “To any fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the 96-page hardback edition of Avengers: Endgame: The Official Movie Special is a must-own.” – GeeksofDoom.com

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Book SynopsisThe behind-the-scenes story of the iconic funnymen who ruled '80s Hollywood—Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Eddie Murphy—and the beloved films that made them stars, including Animal House, Caddyshack, and GhostbustersNAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NEW YORK“An enjoyable romp that vividly captures the manic ups and downs of the remarkable group of funny folk who gave us a golden age of small and big screen comedy, from SNL to Groundhog Day.”—Peter Biskind, author of Easy Riders, Raging BullsWild and Crazy Guys opens in 1978 with Chevy Chase and Bill Murray taking bad-tempered swings at each other backstage at Saturday Night Live, and closes 21 years later with the two doing a skit in the same venue, poking fun at each other, their illustrious careers, triumphs and prat falls. In between, Nick de Semlyen takes us on a trip through the tumultuous '80s, delving behind the scenes of movies such as National Lampoon's Vacation, Beverly Hills Cop, The Blues Brothers, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, and dozens more. Chronicling the off-screen, larger-than-life antics of Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, Dan Aykroyd, Eddie Murphy, John Belushi, John Candy, and Rick Moranis, it's got drugs, sex, punch-ups, webbed toes, and Bill Murray being pushed into a swimming pool by Hunter S. Thompson while tied to a lawn chair. What's not to like?Based on candid interviews from many of the stars themselves, as well as those in their immediate orbit, including directors John Landis, Carl Reiner, and Amy Heckerling, Wild and Crazy Guys is a fantastic insider account of the friendships, feuds, triumphs, and disasters experienced by these beloved comedians. Hilarious and revealing, it is both a hidden history of the most fertile period ever for screen comedy and a celebration of some of the most popular films of all time.Praise for Wild and Crazy Guys“Eminently readable . . . Children of the 1980s, take note: this is a fond, engrossing look back at the making of movies that became cultural touchstones.”—Booklist (starred review) “Nick de Semlyen smartly charts the pinballing career paths of the stars of this new comic wave. . . . His punchy, nonstop narrative . . . tells a [story] where art and commerce smash hard against each other, sometimes causing destruction, but sometimes making sparks fly.”—The Sunday Times (UK)

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