My Film Studies Library

Added - Dec 2013
Yay, added the second edition of this book to my library. It really is one of my favorite films books. Easy to read and in a format that is useful.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. However, not sure about any real difference between the this edition and the previous ones. The 'chapter' on contemporary films doesn't even seem worth including.

As a tried and true basic book on films this is great. If you are looking for something deeper you are going to have to actually find a book that covers that particular area of film making.

A novelty book that is quite useful and funny.

Yay, 2012 Christmas present. I'll update with a review after I have read the book.

Annette Michelson’s contributions to art and film criticism over the last three decades have been unparalleled. This volume honors her unique legacy with original essays by some of the many scholars who have been influenced by her work. Some continue her efforts to develop theoretical frameworks for understanding modernist art, while others practice her form of interdisciplinary criticism in relation to avant-garde and modernist art works and artists. Still others investigate and evaluate Michelson’s work itself. All in some way pay homage to her extraordinary contribution. ~ Amazon

Similar coverage of information as in "A Short History of the Movies", There is a bit more information here and is presented in the essay form. It also has "Oxford" on the cover so it is far more expensive.

An essential book for any serious cinephilia.

This is a collection of historical essays edited by Braudy and Cohen. While some information may seem antiquated these are core concepts and ideas to the medium of film.

A very dense book filled with tons of information. Really, recommend it for the scope and formatting... but it is rather pricey.

The essential history book of gay and lesbian cinema. Even if you feel that you are somewhat of an expert this book is bound to change your mind or open your eyes about key films.

An important work in conjunction with feminist film theory.

Added - Dec 2013
OK, so on my after working on this list for over a year I figured it was time to actually get the book. There are a few films where I honestly thought WTF? Why was this on the list... and then had to try and hunt down useful information about said film.

What is bizarre about the book is that pretty much all of the reviews were written at the time the movie was released. It is sort of strange to read "Opened this weekend" or "Won at this years Cannes". So, if you are looking for 'why' a film was include to there list... you won't find it in the book. However, there is a lot of information that I didn't know about films and 'at the time released' perspective is one that I find very important and insightful.

Every strange and twisted film that graced the magnetic strip of a VHS. It also has some nice trivia about the films. I only wish it had ratings... so you really are on your own if you watch any of the titles.

I own a few out of date video guides from TLA it is always nice to have a quick and handy second opinion about a film. So, worth picking up at a second hand store.

Because you can never have too many movie lists. Ya, I should no doubt get a copy of the book written by that other guy.

Julien R. Fielding is funny and extremely knowledgeable about films. She should have a second book coming out in the the future. Perhaps if I flatter her enough she will send me a copy ;)

At one time I had an earlier version of this text so it would be nice to replace it with a newer version.

Understanding the ideas of semiotics is a core component to understanding various aspects of film as an art-form and as a language.

While you don't have to dive into "Semiotics and the Philosophy of Language" by Umberto Eco, it is a good idea to at least understand the term.