Cinema is a popular art form, attractive and

easily accessible to the largest of audiences.

In an age of worldwide film releases, of animations

designed for children and adults

alike, cinema stands out as less elitist and

codified than many other contemporary art

genres. Vet today's eminent filmmakers make

constant reference to their predecessors

and the cinematic masterpieces that inspired

them, adhering to a particular aesthetic.

This richly illustrated guide presents an

engaging and didactic introduction to

contemporary cinema, offering detailed

analyses of works that are more complex

than they first appear. It provides enthusiasts

and novices alike with a solid base

from which they con understand cinema's

origins, the latest modern trends, and the

styles of tomorrow.