A History Of Early Film

First published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

With more than 250 images, new information on international cinema—especially Polish, Chinese, Russian, Canadian, and Iranian filmmakers—an expanded section on African-American filmmakers, updated discussions of new works by major American directors, and a new section on the rise of comic book movies and computer generated special effects, this is the most up to date resource for film history courses in the twenty-first century.

Bordwell scrutinizes the theories of style launched by various film historians and celebrates a century of cinema. The author examines the contributions of many directors and shows how film scholars have explained stylistic continuity and change.

Volume 3 of A History of Early Film examines critical responses to early cinema, including the impassioned thoughts of one of the first film critics, the American poet Vachel Lindsay and considers some contemporary judgements of the social aspects of moving pictures. The volume also includes the 1917 report The Cinema: Its Present Position and Future Possibilities...which provides a unique record of the attitudes towards the cinema by its British audiences exhibitors, producers, guardians of morality and those responsible for licensing.

Volume 2 of A History of Early Film examines filmmaking and presentation during the latter part of the early cinema period. Technology did not stand still during these years and despite problems with editing, synchronization and amplification, many auditoria were fitted with sound-film equipment during the early cinema periods. Much of the discussion in the trade magazines revolved around economic and commercial subjects, including expenses incurred in complying with new laws, and the damage caused by irresponsible promoters. Among the material included is a complete reprint of the 1913 edition of Colin Bennett's The Handbook of Kinematography. Technical production is covered with a section on micro-kinematography, tele-kinematography and general natural history filming. Film exhibition is also discussed and a final chapter covers coyright and censorship.

Volume 3 of A History of Early Film examines critical responses to early cinema, including the impassioned thoughts of one of the first film critics, the American poet Vachel Lindsay and considers some contemporary judgements of the social aspects of moving pictures. The volume also includes the 1917 report The Cinema: Its Present Position and Future Possibilities...which provides a unique record of the attitudes towards the cinema by its British audiences exhibitors, producers, guardians of morality and those responsible for licensing.