Film, Form and Culture

From screen kisses to gender roles, this book explores the interaction between the movies and the society in which they are a part. Students are introduced to the elements of film - the shot, the cut, the soundtrack - and are encouraged to think seriously about the means by which these elements shape an audience's understanding of the narrative. On a larger scale, students are asked to consider how a film can influence its viewer even after the last reel has run out - and the way that societal changes radically alter the course of film history. New material addresses independent filmmaking, documentaries and women in film. Also, the book now has a larger section explaining theories of culture and the premise of cultural studies. A complete glossary of film terms has been added to the text and CD-ROM boxes end each chapter and suggest ways of using the CD to reinforce the reading. Also, a thorough index of the CD-ROM contents has been added to the book.