World of Art: The History of Film

In this lively, informative and up-to-date new analysis of what has been called the seventh art, David Parkinson traces the evolution of the moving image from the earliest shadow shows to the contemporary cinema. Covering the key elements and players that have contributed to its artistic and technical development, it offers a remarkably concise overview of film throughout the world. Beginning with cinema's scientific origins, the book assesses the achievements of an international body of film-makers: D.W. Griffith and the pioneers of the classical narrative; silent artists; the directors of Golden Age Hollywood; the Italian Neo-Realists; the auteurs of the French New Wave and those responsible for the directions that cinema has recently taken internationally. Concluding with a preview of film in the future, this is a uniquely comprehensive account of the most modern of art forms. Contents ......Page 5 From Science to Cinema......Page 7 The Foundations of Classical Hollywood......Page 23 Film Art 1908-30......Page 51 The Golden Age of Hollywood 1927-41......Page 83 The Emergence of National Cinemas 1930-45......Page 121 Facing Realities 1946-59......Page 150 New Inspirations 1959-70......Page 185 World Cinema since 1970......Page 218