Dictionary of film terms : the aesthetic companion to film art /

Since film straddles the fence between art and science, any dictionary of film terms should do the same. In this updated edition of his standard title, Beaver (Univ. of Michigan) ably succeeds in representing film's dual natures. Following a preface that concisely identifies intent and organization comes the body of the work--alphabetically arranged definitions of varying lengths. Covering both aesthetic and technical terms, the definitions are cross-referenced and illustrated by photographic stills. Typical technical definitions, e.g., cover shot, jump cut, pan, and wipe, are well represented and admirably free of technical jargon. It is in the aesthetic definitions, however, that Beaver truly shines. One could reasonably expect to see definitions for such terms as abstract film, B-picture, mise-en-scene, and New Wave, but may be surprised by others, like American studio years, expanded cinema, photographed thought, and trigger film. The definitions are followed by four indexes; most noteworthy is an index of 18 topics, with terms alphabetically arranged under each. The Film Studies Dictionary, by Steve Blandford, Barry Grant, and Jim Hillier (CH, Jul'01, 38-5893), is comparable but nearly six years older. Beaver's previous works include the edited volume 100 Years of American Film (CH, Oct'00, 38-0642) and On Film (1983). ^BSumming Up: Essential. Academic libraries with film studies departments; lower-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers. Highly recommended. Larger public libraries. M. C. Duhig Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh