Blockbusters: A Reference Guide to Film Genres

(Hardback)

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Blockbusters: A Reference Guide to Film Genres offers both film specialists and film fans an in-depth look at 12 popular genres of film. With a separate chapter dedicated to each of the 12 commonly acknowledged genres, the text provides readers with a list of defining characteristics for each genre; a focused analysis of the history of the genre with an understanding of the major influences responsible for its evolution, broken down by decades, era, or subgenre; and a bibliography of the major critical and historical sources available for further reading. Special attention is given to subvariations, or subgenres, within the principle categorizations, and the wide variety of cinematic examples cited draws upon the best and some of the most beloved examples of American cinema, with more obscure American and foreign examples also included. In cases where films overlap genres, easy to find chapter titles in boldface within the text indicate cross referencing, and a user-friendly index provides access to discussions of cited films within the text. Action/Adventure Comedy Costume Epic Film Noir Horror Musicals Science Fiction Suspense War Western Woman's Film

Reviews

One could discuss a passel of genres or, like the authors, settle on an even dozen: action-adventure, comedy, costume, epic, film noir, horror, musical, science fiction, suspense, war, Western, and women's films. Those looking for crime might locate films scattered across action-adventure, suspense, and film noir, even epics. The extensive index locates all film titles and every named individual (actors, directors, writers, and more). Each genre features an introduction delineating the defining characteristics, followed by a discussion of the subgenres, e.g., musical: backstage, revue, star showcase, adaptation, dance, and animated. Two-thirds of the volume is devoted to a decade-by-decade narrative history of each genre that often reads like a novel. In fact, the length of the history sections make this reviewer wonder if the entries might be too long for strictly reference-only usage. The writing is facile, using dozens of films to illustrate each section of text. This may assume a greater familiarity with the canon than some students have. Each chapter ends with a brief bibliography of key works; sadly, many are out of print. This volume will be a solid purchase for any library serving film studies or film buffs. Recommended. All levels. * Choice *
Two English professors at Morehead State University define the most recognizable features of films in 12 film genres, chronicle the history of each genre as it has evolved throughout the decades, and describe the various sub-genres within each genre. The exposition identifies significant or innovative examples of primarily American films in each genre, often summarizing the plot and noting the cast. Among the genres are costume film, epic, film noir, war film, and woman's film. Approximately 30 black and white movie stills are provided. * Reference & Research Book News *
[W]ill be found invaluable by students on film or video courses, and film appreciation courses. It is a good text on genre for those at an introductory level and would encourage them to look at more advanced works. It is written in a clear and readable style, an east read in other words, and will be appreciated by (and probably extremely popular with) readers in a public library. * Reference Reviews *

Author Bio

Mark A. Graves, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Philosophy, Morehead State University (KY), where he teaches courses in American literature, Southern literature, and film. F. Bruce Engle, PhD, is an instructor in the Department of English, Foreign Languages, and Philosophy, Morehead State University (KY), where he teaches courses in compostion, English and world literature, film, and women's studies.