Handbook of American Film Genres

(Hardback)

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Description

More genres, 19 in fact, are discussed than in other standard works. The 14 genres considered here by film scholar contributors other than Gehring include the adventure film, the western, the gangster film, film noir, the WW II combat film, the horror film, science fiction, fantasy, the musical, melodrama, the social problem film, the biographical film, and the art film. The discussion of fine comedy genres by Gehring himself is far more extensive than in other genre studies, embracing screwball comedy, populist comedy, parody, black humor, and clown comedy. . . . Recommended for both undergraduate and graduate collections. Choice With the increased sophistication of film scholarship in recent decades, the traditional motion picture categories are often found too limited to provide a workable basis for exploring the medium. Addressing the need for an expanded conceptual framework, this new handbook offers eighteen informative genre essays by recognized film scholars, together with selected filmographies and bibliographies for each category discussed. Written in a straightforward, readable style, it is the most comprehensive and up-to-date film guide available.

Reviews

Handbook of American Film Genres provides scholarly introductory overviews of various types of films, lists significant examples of each genre, and recommends sources to consult for additional information. Eighteen genres are covered divided into five different categories: action/adventure, comedy, the fantastic, songs and soaps, and nontraditional. Each category is then divided into more diverse sections such as comedy: screwball, parody, clown etc. . . . Each chapter includes a historical/analytical overview, a bibliographic overview, and then concludes with a chronologically arranged, highly selective filmography, citing from 10 to 15 major examples of the genre with brief lists of credits. . . . One of the strengths of this guide is its coverage of more genres than other standard studies. . . . Handbook of American Film Genres covers foreign films as well, it makes a valuable contribution to film scholarship, and it will be a useful acquisition for libraries that support serious film study.-Reference Books Bulletin
In brief, Gehring has assembled a fine set of writings on American film that offer insight while directing the reader to further sources of information.-Et Cetera
More genres, 19 in fact, are discussed than in other standard works. The 14 genres considered here by film scholar contributors other than Gehring include the adventure film, the western, the gangster film, film noir, the WW II combat film, the horror film, science fiction, fantasy, the musical, melodrama, the social problem film, the biographical film, and the art film. The discussion of fine comedy genres by Gehring himself is far more extensive than in other genre studies, embracing screwball comedy, populist comedy, parody, black humor, and clown comedy. Each genre essay includes definition, historical overview, and--most important of all--up-to-date bibliographical material in both books and articles. Filmographies, bibliographical checklists, and an index; no stills or photographs. Recommended for both undergraduate and graduate collections.-Choice
"In brief, Gehring has assembled a fine set of writings on American film that offer insight while directing the reader to further sources of information."-Et Cetera
"More genres, 19 in fact, are discussed than in other standard works. The 14 genres considered here by film scholar contributors other than Gehring include the adventure film, the western, the gangster film, film noir, the WW II combat film, the horror film, science fiction, fantasy, the musical, melodrama, the social problem film, the biographical film, and the art film. The discussion of fine comedy genres by Gehring himself is far more extensive than in other genre studies, embracing screwball comedy, populist comedy, parody, black humor, and clown comedy. Each genre essay includes definition, historical overview, and--most important of all--up-to-date bibliographical material in both books and articles. Filmographies, bibliographical checklists, and an index; no stills or photographs. Recommended for both undergraduate and graduate collections."-Choice
"Handbook of American Film Genres provides scholarly introductory overviews of various types of films, lists significant examples of each genre, and recommends sources to consult for additional information. Eighteen genres are covered divided into five different categories: action/adventure, comedy, the fantastic, songs and soaps, and nontraditional. Each category is then divided into more diverse sections such as comedy: screwball, parody, clown etc. . . . Each chapter includes a historical/analytical overview, a bibliographic overview, and then concludes with a chronologically arranged, highly selective filmography, citing from 10 to 15 major examples of the genre with brief lists of credits. . . . One of the strengths of this guide is its coverage of more genres than other standard studies. . . . Handbook of American Film Genres covers foreign films as well, it makes a valuable contribution to film scholarship, and it will be a useful acquisition for libraries that support serious film study."-Reference Books Bulletin

Author Bio

WES D. GEHRING is a Professor of Film at Ball State University.