Fantasy Film A Critical Introduction [Paperback]

Fantasy Film proposes an innovative approach to the study of this most popular cinematic genre. Engaging with the diversity of tones, forms and styles that fantasy can take in the cinema, the book examines the value and significance of fantasy across a wide range of key films. This volume extends critical understanding beyond the often narrowly defined boundaries of what is seen as fantasy .

Fantasy Film uses key concepts in film studies - such as authorship, representation, history,genre, coherence and point of view - to interrogate the fantasy genre and establish its parameters. A wide range of films are held up to close scrutiny to illustrate the discussion.

Moving from Alfred Hitchcock's dark thrillers to Vincente Minnelli's vibrant musicals, from George M?li?s' 1904 Voyage ? travers l'impossible to the X-Men series, the creative dexterity and excitement of film fantasy is evoked and explored. The book will be invaluable to students and fans of the fantasy genre.

Introduction 1. Approaching Fantasy Film 2. Fantasy, History and Cinema 3. Fantasy, Authorship and Genre 4. Fantasy, Childhood and Entertainment 5. Fantasy, Imagination and Interiority 6. Fantasy, Style and Coherence Conclusion Annotated Guide to Further Reading Filmography Bibliography Index

James Walters provides an illuminating study of fantasy as an important mode in cinema, exploring a spectrum of films from Fritz Lang'sYou Only Live Onceto Peter Jackson'sThe Lord of the Ringsepic trilogy. Christina Lee, Curtin University of TechnologyJames Waltersis Lecturer in Film and Television Studies at the University of Birmingham and author ofAlternative Worlds in Hollywood Cinemaand co-editor ofFilm Moments: Criticism, History, Theory.