Film Studies: The Basics

The Basics

by Amy Villarejo

This engaging and accessible introduction explores the intricacies of the film world to show how anyone can gain a broader understanding and a more pleasurable experience of film. Addressing general questions about why and how to study film, topics discussed Including illustrations and examples from an international range of films drawn from over a century of movie-making and a glossary of terms for ease of reference, Film The Basics is a must-have guide for any film student or fan.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Reference, Read For School, School, Academic

184 pages, Paperback

First published September 27, 2006

Reviews

[PJ Carter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I try not to give negative reviews, but I feel the need to be honest. Slogging through Villarejo's prose was challenging. Everything seems to be worded in the lengthiest, most convoluted way possible. I have been reading academic writing, translations, and epic poetry for years now and I frequently have to reread simple sentences to figure out what she's trying to say. Her chapters are strangely rambling and unfocused, and she spends a large amount of each chapter fondly remembering old movies and explaining things that are, at best, only marginally related to the chapter topic. The information is often valuable and well-selected... If you can find it.

[Julia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book as part of a course on theology and film. For a book subtitled “The Basics,” this book is not as beginner-level as I thought it was going to be. Villarejo writes in long sentences that can be hard to track, especially for someone unfamiliar with the discipline of film studies. I learned more from her chapter summaries than I did from trying to read the whole chapter. This is at least an intermediate-level film studies book.

[Vanellope · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a solid intro to film studies, I guess. It wasn't super entertaining to me, but then again I'm not that interested in film.

[Dann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely clear, accessible materials for beginners, and especially lucid in critical engagement with cinema.

[MM · Rating 3 out of 5]

brief intro -- useful and apt.

[Gsmattingly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished reading Film Studies, The Basics by Amy Villarejo and found it Interesting and educational for me.

[Filipa Pedroso · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book, very adequate, for anyone who needs a crash course in film studies.

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good introductory for those who want to learn for about it!

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

This suits my pedagogical purposes perfectly.