Contemporary French Cinema: An Introduction

By Guy Austin

Book Overview

This introductory text analyzes 25 years of popular French film including recent developments in all genres. Reflecting French cinema's diversity since the new Wave, chapters include the Heritage film; thrillers; war movies; Cinema-du-Look; representations of sexuality; women film-makers; and others. Each chapter introduces the public reception and critical debates surrounding a given genre, interwoven with detailed accounts of individual films from "Les Valseuses" to "Les Visiteurs" and "Delicatessen". Those looking at French film for the first time should have the opportunity to read at length about the internationally renowned work of Cinema-du-Look directors Luc Besson, Jean-Jacques Beineix and Leos Carax, as well as recent blockbusters of the Heritage genre from "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "Jean de Florette" to "Germinal" and "La Reine Margot". The book includes a glossary and detailed filmography.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0719046114
• ISBN13: 9780719046117
• Release Date: September 1996
• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Good text for a course

I have used the first edition of Guy Austin's text in teaching film to undergraduate students, supplementing with articles and/or other texts. It provides a nice overview of French cinema, and lots of relevant examples, from which I can choose cinematic clips to illustrate the points. It's an easy read and includes some photos. I'm glad there is a new edition that will have some updated material as well.