Introduction to Film Studies

Praise for the fourth edition:

'This fourth edition is even more comprehensive and accessible than previous editions. It addresses new generations of students, asks new questions of film studies and rises to the radical challenge of answering those questions superbly well.’ –Pat Brereton, Dublin City University, Ireland

'A thoughtful and comprehensive text for analysis of motion pictures as an art form, profession and institution. The fourth edition furthers this study through revising existing chapters and adding critical new research of this compelling medium.' – James Cho,Nevada State College, USA

'I commend the new fourth edition to all students interested in studying film and also to teachers who want to keep abreast of current thinking and research. This fourth edition is even more comprehensive and accessible than previous editions and appeals as a single-volume purchase for a wide range of film and media courses. The extended range of chapters, which are carefully chosen, display up-to-date scholarship using many recent films and provide a fully rounded and extended introduction to film studies. Teaching and learning strategies are well conceived, with each self-contained chapter posing important questions and providing clear, concise and provocative responses to issues raised, inspiring further research. It addresses new generations of students, asks new questions of film studies and rises to the radical challenge of answering those questions very well.' – Pat Brereton, Dublin City University, Ireland

'For any undergraduate student thinking about pursuing a degree in film studies Introduction to Film Studies is a stimulating and timely reappraisal of why we spend so much time watching films! It offers a fresh perspective on the subject and in an age saturated by the moving image helps us to navigate some difficult terrain. It gives the chapters a contemporary relevance and provides a pleasing critical re-engagement with theory.' – Martin Price, Stratford upon Avon College, UK

'A thoughtful and comprehensive text for analysis of motion pictures as an art form, profession and institution. The fourth edition furthers this study through revising existing chapters and adding critical new research of this compelling medium' – James Cho, Nevada State College, USA

Praise for previous editions:

First Edition

'Simply the best introductory volume in the field so far.' - Jesus B Sanchez, Castilla La Mongha University, Ciudad Real, Spain

'Indispensable for the A Level, degree student or lay reader in film, communications or media courses...will indisputably be the standard text for many years to come...close to the perfect film studies textbook you are likely to see.' - John Lough, Senior Lecturer in Media Theory, University of Humberside, UK

Second Edition

'I highly recommend this text to any student embarking on the study of film...An admirable synthesis of historical, social and theoretical considerations of cinema, presented in an engaging and accessible manner.' - Alan Burton, De Montfort University, UK

'Probably the clearest, most comprehensive and accessible introduction to film studies available.' - Martin Price, Stratford-upon-Avon College, UK

Third Edition

'I know of no other introductory film text that covers so much ground, nor that so readily connects up film theory and discourse with work in mass and popular culture. The revised edition keeps up with changes in technology and the discussions of Hollywood are particularly illuminating...I highly recommend this text.' - Denise Albanese, George Mason University, USA

'The ideal book for anyone starting Film Studies...Illustrations are plentiful and all important concepts and terminology are accessibly explained. I encourage students to make it their top priority reading.' - Jeff Thomas, Coleg Gwent, Pontypool, Wales

"Introduction to Film Studies remains an indispensible text for entry-level students, and is also a very good source of general reference for more advanced students. The book has definitely evolved from its first edition and has a more comprehensive feel, with more detailed summaries of academic arguments and developed references to fields of study that make it useful to return to as your studies advance. The examples are very up to date, perhaps to a fault, but the book is very valuable in illustrating profound shifts in the nature of the medium formerly known as ‘cinema’ in the context of changes in digital technologies affecting production, distribution, exhibition, and reception. Reading the book I was struck by how things have changed since the appearance of the first edition, and how the editor and contributors have kept up with those changes without losing touch with the rich history of cinema that informs contemporary developments. We will continue to recommend Introduction to Film Studies to our advanced students and it will be required reading at entry level." Dr. Harvey O'Brien, University College Dublin, Ireland

"Nelmes' Introduction to Film Studies perfectly combines introducing students to film as an object of study and to the various ways that film can and has been analyzed within the academy. Its balance between defining film form terminology and providing a history of film with more current film theories is perfect for the course I teach, which includes film studies concentrators and many generally interested students from other disciplines looking for an elective. The text's interdisciplinarity allows me to teach film in meaningful ways to a broad array of students. It also strikes a nice balance between providing sometimes difficult concepts in theorists' original language and explicating the significance of the passages in language students can more comfortably understand. More practically, each chapter serves as a model of analysis and the questions for discussion, and suggested further readings and viewings (as well as related internet resources) allow me to construct assignments that engage the students more fully in the areas they are interested. The case studies are perfect for smaller assignments, and the broader theoretical models can be turned into term projects. The text's applicability of methodology to films and movements (as well as other areas of study, e.g. literature) is easily transferable."Jennifer Fremlin, Huntingdon College, USA

"Offering film studies scholars a comprehensive and inviting starting point, the fifth edition is an astutely revitalised, up-to-date guide to cinema without being ‘trendy’ for the sake of it. The new and detailed discussion of contemporary film technology is a welcome addition, bringing to the fore a frequently neglected topic that today’s students are eager to explore."Dr Steven Allen, University of Winchester, UK

"Introduction to Film Studies is an excellent overview that provides a useful reference and introduction to key topics in Film Studies."John Caro, University of Portsmouth, UK

Praise for previous editions:

First Edition

"Simply the best introductory volume in the field so far."Jesus B Sanchez, Castilla-La Mancha University, Spain

"Indispensable for the A Level, degree student or lay reader in film, communications or media courses...will indisputably be the standard text for many years to come...close to the perfect film studies textbook you are likely to see."John Lough, Senior Lecturer in Media Theory, University of Humberside, UK

Second Edition

"I highly recommend this text to any student embarking on the study of film...An admirable synthesis of historical, social and theoretical considerations of cinema, presented in an engaging and accessible manner." Alan Burton, De Montfort University, UK

'Probably the clearest, most comprehensive and accessible introduction to film studies available.'Martin Price, Stratford-upon-Avon College, UK

Third Edition

"I know of no other introductory film text that covers so much ground, nor that so readily connects up film theory and discourse with work in mass and popular culture. The revised edition keeps up with changes in technology and the discussions of Hollywood are particularly illuminating...I highly recommend this text."Denise Albanese, George Mason University, USA

"The ideal book for anyone starting Film Studies...Illustrations are plentiful and all important concepts and terminology are accessibly explained. I encourage students to make it their top priority reading."Jeff Thomas, Coleg Gwent, Pontypool, Wales

Fourth Edition

"This fourth edition is even more comprehensive and accessible than previous editions. The extended range of chapters, which are carefully chosen, display up-to-date scholarship using many recent films and provide a fully rounded and extended introduction to film studies."Pat Brereton, Dublin City University, Ireland

"Introduction to Film Studies is a stimulating and timely reappraisal of why we spend so much time watching films! It offers a fresh perspective on the subject and in an age saturated by the moving image helps us to navigate some difficult terrain."Martin Price, Stratford upon Avon College, UK

"A thoughtful and comprehensive text for analysis of motion pictures as an art form, profession and institution. The fourth edition furthers this study through revising existing chapters and adding critical new research of this compelling medium."James Cho, Nevada State College, USA