The European Cinema Reader is a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of national cinemas in Europe, bringing together classic writing by key film makers such as Sergei Eisenstein, Luis Bunuel and John Grierson,and critics from Andre Bazin to Peter Wollen. Contributors explore attempts to define European film culture and examine key issues of authorship and the art house film, national cinemas, the relationship between European film and Hollywood, and the financial structure of cinemas in Europe.
Each section features an introduction by the editor setting debates in their context, and the volume concludes with a comprehensive bibliography. Sections include:
- European Film Culture - explores early conceptions of film
- Moments from European Film History - gathers key manifestors from cinema history including those of the French New Wave, New German Cinema and counter-cinema
- European Films and Theory - focuses on attempts to define European cinema in film theory
- The Boundaries of European Film Criticism - addresses issues surrounding industries and audiences
Part 1 European film culture
Part 2 Moments from European film history
Part 3 European films and theory
Part 4 The boundaries of European film criticism