Looking at Movies⁚ An Introduction to Film (6th Edition)
This textbook is a comprehensive guide to film studies, authored by Dave Monahan. The 6th edition, published in 2018 by W. W. Norton & Company, builds on students’ enthusiasm for movies and motivates them to understand and analyze film. It features thorough revisions for clarity and currency, along with new interactive learning tools to support student learning.
Overview
Looking at Movies⁚ An Introduction to Film (6th Edition) is a popular and widely used textbook in film studies courses. It provides a comprehensive introduction to the art and craft of filmmaking, covering a wide range of topics from film history and theory to the elements of film form and analysis. The book is known for its accessible writing style, engaging examples, and clear explanations of complex concepts.
The 6th edition, published in 2018, features significant updates and revisions to reflect the latest developments in the field of film studies. It includes new examples of contemporary films, expanded coverage of digital cinema and streaming platforms, and updated discussions of film theory and criticism. The book also incorporates interactive learning tools, such as online quizzes and videos, to enhance student engagement and understanding.
Looking at Movies is designed to be a valuable resource for students of all levels, from those taking introductory film courses to those pursuing advanced degrees in film studies. It is a comprehensive and engaging introduction to the world of cinema, providing students with the tools they need to understand and appreciate the art of filmmaking.
Key Features
Looking at Movies⁚ An Introduction to Film (6th Edition) boasts a number of key features that contribute to its effectiveness as a textbook⁚
- Comprehensive Coverage⁚ The book provides a comprehensive overview of film history, theory, and practice, covering a wide range of topics from the early days of cinema to contemporary filmmaking trends. It includes detailed discussions of film genres, directors, movements, and technical aspects of filmmaking.
- Accessible Writing Style⁚ The authors, Dave Monahan and Richard Barsam, employ a clear and engaging writing style that makes complex concepts understandable to students of all levels. They use everyday language and avoid jargon, making the book accessible to readers with little prior knowledge of film.
- Engaging Examples⁚ The book features a wealth of examples from classic and contemporary films, illustrating key concepts and providing students with a concrete understanding of film theory and practice. The examples are chosen to be diverse and representative of a wide range of film styles and genres.
- Interactive Learning Tools⁚ The 6th edition includes a variety of interactive learning tools designed to enhance student engagement and understanding. These tools include online quizzes, videos, and other resources that allow students to test their knowledge, explore film concepts in a dynamic way, and deepen their understanding of the subject matter.
These features make Looking at Movies a valuable resource for students of film studies and a highly effective tool for teaching and learning about the art and craft of cinema.
Author and Publisher
Looking at Movies⁚ An Introduction to Film (6th Edition) is authored by Dave Monahan, a Professor of Film Studies at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Monahan brings a wealth of experience to the textbook, having worked as a filmmaker, writer, director, and editor. His films have been screened internationally and have earned numerous awards, including the New Line Cinema Award for Most Original Film and the Seattle International Film Festival Grand Jury Prize for Best Animated Short Film.
The book is published by W. W. Norton & Company, a renowned publisher of academic and general interest books. Norton has a long history of publishing high-quality textbooks in various disciplines, including film studies. The publisher is known for its commitment to scholarship, accuracy, and accessibility, making it a trusted source for students and educators alike.
The combination of a knowledgeable author and a reputable publisher ensures that Looking at Movies (6th Edition) provides a reliable and engaging introduction to the world of film.
Content and Structure
Looking at Movies⁚ An Introduction to Film (6th Edition) is structured to provide a comprehensive and engaging exploration of film theory and analysis. The book covers a wide range of topics, including film history, film form, genre, and auteur theory. It also delves into the technical aspects of filmmaking, such as cinematography, editing, sound design, and special effects.
The book’s content is organized into distinct chapters, each focusing on a specific area of film studies. Chapters are further divided into sections and subsections, providing a clear and logical progression of ideas. Throughout the text, Monahan uses a variety of pedagogical tools, including film clips, still images, and exercises, to enhance student learning and engagement.
The book also incorporates contemporary examples of films, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of the cinematic landscape. This ensures that students are exposed to relevant and up-to-date perspectives on film theory and practice.
Teaching and Learning Tools
Looking at Movies⁚ An Introduction to Film (6th Edition) is designed to facilitate a dynamic and interactive learning experience. The textbook incorporates numerous features aimed at enhancing comprehension and engagement, making it an ideal resource for both instructors and students.
The book features a range of pedagogical tools, including⁚
- Film clips and stills⁚ These visual aids illustrate key concepts and provide concrete examples of film techniques.
- Exercises⁚ These interactive activities challenge students to apply their understanding of film theory and analysis to specific films and scenes.
- Chapter summaries⁚ These concise overviews help students reinforce key concepts and prepare for assessments.
- Glossary of film terms⁚ This comprehensive glossary defines important terminology, ensuring that students have a clear understanding of the language of film studies.
- Further reading suggestions⁚ These recommendations point students towards additional resources for deeper exploration of specific topics.
These pedagogical tools work together to create a comprehensive and engaging learning environment, making the study of film accessible and enjoyable for students of all levels.
Critical Reception
Looking at Movies⁚ An Introduction to Film (6th Edition) has garnered positive feedback from both educators and students. Reviews highlight its effectiveness in engaging students with the subject matter, fostering a deeper understanding of film analysis, and providing a comprehensive foundation in film studies.
Reviewers praise the book’s accessible writing style, clear explanations of complex concepts, and engaging examples that illustrate key principles. The inclusion of diverse films and filmmakers, as well as the updated content reflecting contemporary cinematic trends, contribute to the book’s relevance and appeal to a wide range of students.
Many reviewers commend the book’s pedagogical tools, such as film clips, exercises, and chapter summaries, for enhancing student learning and engagement. The book is widely regarded as a valuable resource for introductory film studies courses, offering a solid foundation for further exploration of the field.
Availability and Formats
Looking at Movies⁚ An Introduction to Film (6th Edition) is widely available in various formats to cater to diverse student needs and preferences. The book is primarily published in paperback format, offering a convenient and affordable option for students. It is also available in hardcover, ringbound, and e-book formats, providing flexibility for different learning styles and accessibility requirements.
The e-book version, typically in PDF format, allows for digital reading on various devices, including laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This format offers portability and the ability to highlight and annotate text for enhanced learning. The book can be purchased directly from the publisher, W. W. Norton & Company, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Additionally, used copies are often available at lower prices, making the book accessible for budget-conscious students.
The availability of multiple formats and purchase options ensures that students have access to this valuable resource, regardless of their preferred learning environment or budget.
Comparison with Previous Editions
The 6th edition of Looking at Movies builds upon the strengths of its predecessors while incorporating significant updates and improvements. Author Dave Monahan has meticulously revised the book to ensure clarity, currency, and relevance to contemporary film studies. The text reflects the evolving landscape of cinema and incorporates new trends, technologies, and critical perspectives.
Notable changes include the inclusion of new interactive learning tools, designed to enhance student engagement and understanding. These tools may include online quizzes, interactive exercises, and supplemental materials accessible through online platforms. The book also features updated case studies and examples, drawing on recent films to illustrate key concepts and theories.
The 6th edition maintains the core strengths of its previous versions, providing a comprehensive introduction to film analysis and theory. It continues to be a valuable resource for students seeking a solid foundation in film studies.
Use in Film Studies Courses
Looking at Movies⁚ An Introduction to Film (6th Edition) is a widely adopted textbook for introductory film studies courses at various levels. Its comprehensive coverage of film theory, history, and analysis makes it suitable for both undergraduate and graduate programs. The book’s clear and engaging writing style, combined with its rich array of examples and illustrations, effectively introduces students to the intricacies of film as an art form and a cultural phenomenon.
The textbook’s structure and organization make it adaptable to different teaching styles and course structures. Instructors can utilize its chapters individually or in a sequence that aligns with their curriculum. The inclusion of interactive learning tools further enhances the book’s pedagogical value, providing students with opportunities for self-assessment and deeper engagement with the material.
Overall, Looking at Movies serves as a valuable resource for film studies instructors seeking to equip students with a solid foundation in film theory and analysis, while simultaneously fostering a deeper appreciation for the cinematic experience.
Looking at Movies⁚ An Introduction to Film (6th Edition) stands out as a robust and engaging textbook for film studies. Dave Monahan’s expert guidance and clear explanations make complex film concepts accessible for students of all backgrounds. The book’s breadth of coverage, from fundamental film theory to diverse cinematic genres and historical contexts, provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding film as a powerful art form and cultural force.
The inclusion of interactive learning tools, such as quizzes and discussion prompts, further enhances the learning experience, encouraging active engagement and critical thinking. The textbook’s updated content and contemporary examples ensure relevance for today’s students, keeping them connected to the ever-evolving landscape of film.
Whether used in traditional classroom settings or for independent study, Looking at Movies empowers students to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the cinematic world, making it a valuable resource for both instructors and learners alike.