Understanding Movies, Fourth Canadian Edition (4th Edition)
Category: Books,Reference,Words, Language & Grammar
Understanding Movies, Fourth Canadian Edition (4th Edition) Details
Review The new section on genre [is] very good. The inclusion of Canadian content throughout the text is a real strength here, and I think Leach has done an excellent job in this regard, striking the right balance between Canadian, American, and other international films. I would expect students to come away from their reading of Understanding Movies with a much fuller understanding of Canadian cinema and an interest in seeking out more Canadian films. The chapters are appropriately up-to-date for the purpose of introducting first-year university students to film studies. The chapters that deal with recent trends in filmmaking (9 and 10) both seem very fresh, touching where appropriate on very recent films and situating them amidst recent trends that are themselves placed in broader historical contexts. Great stuff. I really like the incorporation of Canadian content throughout and the excellent material on the NFB and Canadian cinema in general. Brian Patton, Modern Languages Department, King's University College at the University of Western Ontario I am very impressed with the new section on genre. It is very extensive and perhaps one of the best overviews I have come across. In particular I enjoyed reading and understanding the four main historical phases. I really enjoyed reading your short reviews on a variety of contemporary films. Having this variety of films works out well, especially if one of the films is screened in class. Students really enjoy when they get a chance to watch a recently made film in class. The Canadian content within these short reviews is exceptional and I like the term mosaic as a way of providing a simple but effective formal description. Section on "Adaptation" is very well done and very interesting. Very well done. I found the documentary section extremely well presented, easy to read and because of its Canadian emphasis, I found it to be very valuable. I enjoyed this simple (easy to read and follow) writing style and I believe students would enjoy it as well. I also believe that the emphasis on Canadian cinema is fantastic and should be in our schools and universities. Gordon Pepper, Department of Media Production and Studies, University of Regina The new material on genre definitely helps in teaching this aspect of film studies. Chapter 10 (Canadian Cinema) is very strong. The Canadian content in the textbook in general is excellent. This textbook truly is a Canadian version of an introduction to film. The chapters do a good job of including current films. The writing style is very strong and the style is consistent. Students will find the textbook to be very readable and understandable. The chapters flow smoothly and logically and are easy to follow. Chapter 10 (Canadian Cinema) also has an effective focus and structure. The placing of a history of Canadian cinema within the context of the issue of national cinema is very effective. The history itself is clearly presented and organized. The chapter ends nicely with the return to broader issues of identity, nationality, and globalization. The amount and character of the Canadian content is very good. The chapters are very current. The writing style is both clear and consistent. John LeBlanc, Critical Studies Department, University of British Columbia, Okanagan The authors' writing style is simple but elegant, creating entertaining and elucidating information that is complemented and enlightened with their use of examples. The style of the authors' combined with the content of each chapter elevate this material above the average survey/introduction classroom text by providing detailed historical and theoretical information without forgetting to make it entertaining and accessible. The structure of each chapter provides a nice introduction and further development of the material with a causal relation that makes it easy to follow and understand. The Overview and Further Reading sections are useful for both the teacher and the student[s] that want to further pursue the specific topics of the chapter. Jose A. Sanchez Mosquera, School for Studies in Art and Culture - Film Studies, Carleton University [The] chapters are excellent, comprehensive, and current. The additional material on digital filming is especially relevant and useful. Because sections are highlighted with headings, readers can easily search out and find the information they need. Captions are insightfully written and add to the experience of both "looking" at the chapter's images and reading each chapter's contents. Giannetti and Leach's text is the best text on the market for introductory film courses at the post-secondary and community college level and can be used well as a reference and refresher for advanced film courses by students who are eager to learn about film criticism and film as a medium of expression. Ingrid Hutchinson, General Studies Department, Fanshawe College The editing chapter is clear, brings a focus to the major historical shifts, and provides superb examples. One of the great strengths of this text is in the well-analysed still frames. I find the text to be quite readable. I have always appreciated the logical development of Understanding Movies. Roger Holdstock, Performing Arts Department, Douglas College I am especially pleased to see that many of the examples are from more recent films. I think that this is a clearly written text with a good choice of examples. Stan Beeler, English Department, University of Northern British Columbia Read more From the Back Cover Understanding Movies provides an excellent and accessible introduction to Film Studies with thorough, quality coverage of Canadian cinema and the Canadian film industry. The 4th Canadian edition comes refreshed with even more coverage of Canadian cinema, increased visuals, expanded coverage of genre and up-to-date discussions of the impact of technology. This text is futher enhanced by a robust companion website with Gradetracker functionality and improved instructor support materials. Suitable for college and university courses in the Communications, English, Film Studies and other media-related departments, such as Journalism or Broadcasting. Read more See all Editorial Reviews
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