A companion to film theory /

Miller and Stam have produced a book that will surely become required reading in film theory classes across the US. The governing concept is simple and brilliant--to present a critical essay on each of the major film theories. The writers are notable, and each essay includes a discussion of the context of the theory's origin, its subsequent development, its shortcomings, its critics, and its current applicability. Each essay is written lucidly and concisely, and all but one or two are extremely effective. This reviewer particularly admired James Naremore's considered essay on the auteur theory and how it is still useful, Lucy Fischer on theories based on editing, Douglas Kellner on culture industries, and Ira Bhaskar on "historical poetics," but others could equally be singled out for praise. The only omission is any treatment of the current British preoccupation with how film reflects and forms national identity. Anyone who wants to brush up on film theory will find this collection invaluable. ^BSumming Up: Essential. Lower-division undergraduates through researchers and faculty. W. A. Vincent Michigan State University