Wednesday 14 November 2007

Book Research ..Finally.

1) Langford, Barry (2005) : Film Genre - Hollywood and beyond. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.

  • This book is useful to my study as it discusses a range of different genres and covers what is considered to be 'typical' features of the science-fiction genre. In doing so, Langford also analyses various sci-films which I can compare and contrast with my text.
  • Quote: 'If anything the [sci-fi] genre's elusive semantic core - or the closest thing to it - consists in its enduring focus through serial visions of possible futures on the transformative, sometimes invasive impact of advanced technology.'

2) Altman, Rick (1999) : Film/Genre. London: British Film Institute.

  • This book is useful to my study as rather than just focusing a majority of it's study on specific genres, the book coveres genre as a whole and in doing so offers complex suggestions about what genre really is and the various different conventions associated with it. Many relevant theorists are also covered in detail.
  • Quote: 'Each film is imaged as an example of the overall genre, replicating the generic prototype in all basic characteristics.'

3) Neale, Steve (2002) : Genre and Contemporary Hollywood. London: British Film Institute.

  • This book is useful to my study as it discusses the notion of hybrid genre (something that I am looking to argue Children Of Men is) in detail. Neale also analyses past sci-fi texts considered to be 'typical' of the genre. Relevant theorists are also mentioned.
  • Quote: 'Genre can be approached from the point of view of the industry and its infastructure, from the point of view of their aesthetic traditions, from the point of view of the broader socio-cultural enviroment upon which they draw and into which they feed, and from the point of view audience understanding and response.'

4) Cook, Pam & Bernink, Mieke (1999) : The Cinema Book. London: British Film Institute.

  • This book is useful to my study as it attempts to connect film institutions, camerawork (a major factor in my analysis of Children Of Men as a typical sci-fi film), features and content with genre. That said, it covers everything really.
  • Quote: 'Some [sci-fi films] are normative and exclusive, designed to distinguish between 'good' and 'bad' science fiction or to promote a particular form or tend.'

5) Maltby, Richard (2003) : Hollywood Cinema. UK: Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  • This book is useful to my study as it has a very detailed and analytical chapter on genre. It addresses many critics whom I can mention in my study in addition to theorists.
  • Quote: 'Genres are flexible, subject to a constant process of change and adaptation. Generic boundaries can never be rigidly defined, and all generic groupings are susceptible to extensive subdivision.'

6) Gill, Branston & Stafford, Roy (2003) : The Media Student's Book. UK: Routledge.

  • This book is useful to my study as it offers more on the wider context aspect of my independent study whilst at the same time linking it to genre. The events of September, 11 (an event I will be mentioning in my study) and their effect on genre is looked at.
  • Quote: 'As the genre becomes established, play can be made with it's conventions. Part of the pleasure of the riddles is their reference to well-known stereotypes, and thus to your feelings about real-world groups of which you may know very little.

7) Knight, Damon Francis (1996) : In Search Of Wonder: Essays on Modern Science Fiction. US: Advent Pub Inc.

  • This book is a collection of commentary on science fiction by book author Knight. Despite the fact that he is a author, this book is still useful to my study as he provides a thorough insight into the sci-fi genre and in doing so highlights conventions becoming apparent in many modern sci-fi books (which directors then go on to adapt as a film, Children Of Men being a prime example).
  • Quote: 'Science fiction is what we point to when we say it.'

8) Cousins, Mark (2004) : The story of film. UK: Pavilion Books

  • This book is useful to my study as it analyses how film-makers (in this case Alfonso Cuaron) are influenced by historical events of their times (in this case, the war against terror). This information will be used to cover the wider context aspect of my independent study.
  • Quote: 'Filmmakers with a moral conscience addressed or expressed what was happening on those streets.'

This book I have yet to get hold of personally but I'm sure will prove useful to my independent study as according to 'Google Book Search', it covers the essential films, themes and plots of the genre.

9) Scalzi, John (2005) : The Rough Guide to Science Fiction Films. US: Rough Guides

The following book is of little relevance to my independent study but regardless discusses genre. Until I can find better a book, I am going to use it to make up the 10.

9) Schatz, Thomas (1981) : Hollywood Genres: Formulas, Filmmaking and the Studio System. New York: McGraw-Hill.

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