History of film

Format:

Book

Title:

History of film

Author:

Parkinson, David author

ISBN:

9780500202777

Publication:

New York, New York : Thames and Hudson, 1996.

Physical Description:

264 pages : 156 illustrations (some color) ; 21 cm.

Series title(s):

World of art.

Contents:

From science to cinema -- The foundations of classical Hollywood -- Film art 1908-30 -- The golden age of Hollywood 1927-41 -- The emergence of national cinemas 1930-45 -- Facing realities 1946-59 -- New inspirations 1959-70 -- World cinema since 1970 -- For future presentation.

Summary:

In this lively, informative and up-to-date new analysis of what has been called the seventh art, David Parkinson traces the evolution of the moving image from the earliest shadow shows to the contemporary cinema. Covering the key elements and players that have contributed to its artistic and technical development, it offers a remarkably concise overview of film throughout the world. Beginning with cinema's scientific origins, the book assesses the achievements of an international body of film-makers: D.W. Griffith and the pioneers of the classical narrative; silent artists; the directors of Golden Age Hollywood; the Italian Neo-Realists; the auteurs of the French New Wave and those responsible for the directions that cinema has recently taken internationally. Concluding with a preview of film in the future, this is a uniquely comprehensive account of the most modern of art forms.

Subject(s):

Motion pictures -- History.

Genre:

History.

Holds:

Available:*

Library	Call Number	Status
Searching... Dallas Public Library	791.43 Parkinson	Searching... Unknown

Bound With These Titles

On Order

Summary

This is an analysis of what has been called the seventh art. It traces the development of film from its scientific origins through to cinema today, covering the key elements and players that have contributed to its artistic and technical development.

Reviews (1)

Publisher's Weekly Review

The latest in Thames and Hudson's World of Art series, Parkinson's History of Film is impressively thorough despite its brevity. Beginning with cinema's inception in 19th-century inventions that exploited persistence of vision, Parkinson covers most of the major developments in film history. The rise of the Hollywood studio system, the evolution of national cinemas, and film movements of the modern era such as neorealism provide the framework for what perhaps too often reads like a laundry list of the most influential directors, titles and performers. Given the size of the volume, some subjects, such as animation, special effects, contemporary experimental cinema and the role of the home movie and video are given short shrift or neglected. An abrupt coda speculates on the future of film technology, an unfortunately dry conclusion to the book. Nevertheless, this scholarly overview is an excellent introduction to the key themes and pioneers of cinematic art. Parkinson adeptly articulates the contributions of particular directors and movements and provides succinct social and historical context for the subject. Generously illustrated throughout with black-and-white stills, History of Film features a central section of color illustrations that traces the development of color film processes. (Feb.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved