History of Film

by David Parkinson

Overview

“Impressively thorough . . . adeptly articulates the contributions of particular directors and movements.” —Publishers Weekly

In this lively and up-to-date analysis, David Parkinson traces the evolution of the moving image from the earliest shadow shows to the digital filmmaking of the twenty-first century. Covering the key elements and players that have contributed to its artistic and technical development, the book offers a concise overview of film throughout the world. Beginning with the origins of the movies, it assesses the achievements of an international body of filmmakers. A new chapter maps the developments in form and technology across the world from the mid-1990s to today, examining among other things experiments in three-dimensionality, the revival of animation, the democratization of filmmaking following the digital revolution, and the impact of DVDs and the download market in exponentially widening access and audiences.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780500204108
Publisher:	Thames & Hudson
Publication date:	10/01/2012
Series:	World of Art
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	306
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

David Parkinson is a freelance film critic and historian, and the author of several books on the subject. He lives in London.

Editorial Reviews

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.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly