Provides an overview of the key areas in film studies, including aesthetics, narrative, genre, documentary films and the secrets of film reviewing. From Hitchcock and Tarantino to Spielberg and Bigelow, you will soon gain a critical understanding of legendary directors and the techniques and skills that are used to achieve certain cinematic effects. Whether you are a film studies student or just a film buff wanting to know more, this book will give you an invaluable insight into the exciting and incredibly fast-moving world of film

Film aesthetics: formalism and realism -- Film structure: narrative and narration -- Film authorship: the director as auteur -- Film genres: defining the typical film -- Non-fiction film: five types of documentary -- Reception of film: the art and profession of film reviewing -- Taking it further