Each entry includes a concise plot summary and complete screen credits. Its chief assets are its in-depth entries on actors, directors, writers, cinematographers, composers, and editors, which come complete with date and place of birth as well as an extensive filmography. Whatever the extent of your movie knowledge, whether you're a burgeoning cineaste or a long-time expert, you'll find yourself turning to this superb volume again and again. The new releases shelf looms over you, or, worse, the clerk makes a recommendation.
Reviews are honest, funny and insightful.
But the authors of The Oxford History of World Cinema set cinematic genres, trends, and national themes at the fore, in deference to the older historical style, the text of this hefty book has hundreds of mini biographies on individual film makers. The result is the most comprehensive film history ever, covering development stars, studios, westerns to the New Wave, animation to the avant-garde, Hollywood to Hong Kong. The final word on movies and the motion picture industry includes full biographies and film credits of stars, producers, directors, writers and more, plus an encyclopedic dictionary of all the technical aspects of film, explained in layman's terms. There are also two full indexes that allow you to find quotations by star or topic. A highly recommended reference for film buffs, writers, and people who live their lives via film quotes for every occasion.