A wide-ranging introduction to film history, this anthology covers the history of film from 1895 to the present day. The book is arranged chronologically, and each chapter contains an introduction by the editors on the key developments within the period, followed by a classic piece of historical research about that period. Various types of film history are undertaken in the articles, so that students can become familiar with different types of film historical research. For example, topics include the history of audiences; exhibition; marketing; censorship; aesthetic history; political history; and historical reception studies. The book is therefore designed to provide students with a narrative history spine while simultaneously introducing them to different approaches to the study and research of film history. Concentrating on the plurality of the 'historical turn' in film studies, this book demonstrates that film history is, and should be, about more than simply key films, directors and movements.
Key features *Contains a preface that explains the structure and organisation of the book *Chapter introductions provide a chronological sense of international developments *Includes key articles of film history that illustrate differences in methodological approach, and which are devoted both to America and to a wide range of non-American contexts
Preface Part One: Film History from its origins to 1945 1. The Emergence of Cinema 2. Organising Early Film Audiences 3. Nationalism, Trade and Market Domination 4. Establishing Classical Norms 5. The Age of the Dream Palace and the Rise of the Star System 6. Competing with Hollywood: National Film Industries Outside Hollywood 7. The Rise of the Studios and the Coming of Sound 8. Realism, Nationalism and 'Film Culture' 9. Adjustment, Depression and Regulation 10. Totalitarianism, Dictatorship and Propaganda 11. The Common People, Historical Drama and the Preparations for War 12. War-time Unity and Alienation Part Two: Film History from 1946 to the present 13. Post-War Challenges: National Regeneration, HUAC Investigations, Divestiture, and Declining Audiences 14. The Politics of Polarisation: Affluence, Anxiety and the Cold War 15. Cinematic Spectacles and the Rise of the Independents 16. New Waves, Specialist Audiences and Adult Films 17. Radicalism, Revolution and Counter-Cinema 18. Modernism, Nostalgia and the Hollywood Renaissance 19. From Movie Brats to Movie Blockbusters 20. The Exhibitors Strike Back: Multiplexes, Video and the Rise of Home Cinema 21. Postmodernism, High Concept and Eighties Excess 22. Cults, Independents and "Guerrilla" Filmmaking 23. From Cinemas to Theme Parks: Conglomeration, Synergy and Multimedia 24. Globalisation and the New Millennium Bibliography
