Film: An International History of the Medium (Trade Version)

The domination of the world's film industry for decades by the U.S. and Europe undercut the notion of cinema as a universal language. But that hegemony, asserts Sklar, is changing with the rising respect and recognition accorded to filmmakers from China, Finland, Brazil, Japan, Africa, Eastern Europe and elsewhere. In this marvelously illustrated global history, Sklar ( Movie-Made America ), chair of New York University's cinema studies department, discusses how movies have become an international medium of communication, a powerful tool to open minds and shape visions. His broad coverage encompasses the early history of cinema, the rise of the Hollywood monolith, art films, documentaries, animation and experimental filmmaking. Both richly entertaining and intellectually stimulating, this survey will serve as a basic sourcebook for film aficionados, students, casual moviegoers and historians. Reader's Subscription Book Club main selection. (Nov.)