Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This is an A to Z of key critical film terms, which succeeds in making film texts and analysis accessible to the student.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Hayward provides a welcome addition to the plethora of film encyclopedias. Instead of a chatty list of entries for stars, films, directors, and general filmmaking terms, Hayward discusses in detail major concepts in cinema studies. Genres and film production terms are covered, but the book's substance is its discussions of concepts (e.g., " narrative," "hegemony," "psychoanalysis"), rather than specific people or techniques. Other titles, like Ephraim Katz's Film Encyclopedia (2nd ed., CH, Jan'95), contain entries for some of these concepts, but without the depth of discussion or the cross-references Hayward provides. Frank Beaver's Dictionary of Film Terms (rev. ed., CH, May'95) also covers some of the same territory, but Beaver concentrates on technical terminology. A possible drawback of Hayward's book is its depth: this is not a volume easily grasped by novices. Features include a table of contents for key concepts and cross-references. Recommended for extensive film collections. H. C. Williams University of Washington

Booklist Review

An academically focused dictionary that covers genres, movements, theories, and key film production terms with in-depth essays.