Key concepts in cinema studies /

Hayward provides a welcome addition to the plethora of film encyclopedias. Instead of a chatty list of entries for stars, films, directors, and general filmmaking terms, Hayward discusses in detail major concepts in cinema studies. Genres and film production terms are covered, but the book's substance is its discussions of concepts (e.g., " narrative," "hegemony," "psychoanalysis"), rather than specific people or techniques. Other titles, like Ephraim Katz's Film Encyclopedia (2nd ed., CH, Jan'95), contain entries for some of these concepts, but without the depth of discussion or the cross-references Hayward provides. Frank Beaver's Dictionary of Film Terms (rev. ed., CH, May'95) also covers some of the same territory, but Beaver concentrates on technical terminology. A possible drawback of Hayward's book is its depth: this is not a volume easily grasped by novices. Features include a table of contents for key concepts and cross-references. Recommended for extensive film collections. H. C. Williams University of Washington

An academically focused dictionary that covers genres, movements, theories, and key film production terms with in-depth essays.