©Alamy/Moviestore Collection
1. Ridley Scott: A Retrospective
The most successful British filmmaker in Hollywood history, Ridley Scott has directed a slew of influential and memorable movies over the years. From Blade Runner to Gladiator and Alien to Black Hawk Down, Ridley Scott: A Retrospective takes us behind the scenes of these blockbusters and offers a privileged view of the man behind the lens.
The book is illustrated with stunning images, many taken directly from Scott’s iconic works. Interviews with the director bring context and vitality to these incredible stories while the author’s own experiences on set help to paint an even richer picture. One of those film history books you just can’t put down, Ridley Scott: A Retrospective will keep you coming back for more.
2. Chronology of Film
Mature Times
If you like your facts presented in a visual – and beautiful - format, you’ll love A Chronology of Film. This original book uses photos, graphs and an intuitive layout to help the reader get to grips with the most important events in cinema history.
As well as the all-important timeline, the book features expert commentaries and information on the social, political and cultural events that occurred alongside key developments in film. Well laid out and thoughtfully illustrated, the book is easy to dip in and out of, making it perfect for your coffee table or reference library.
3. Tarantino: A Retrospective
Eloquent and acute - Film Book of the Year, Herald
Undeniably one of the big beasts of cinema, Tarantino has directed a plethora of hits including Reservoir Dogs, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Pulp Fiction. His Midas touch has seen him stay at the top of his game for decades, with his talents extending into screenwriting and acting as well as directing.
Tarantino: A Retrospective looks at all ten films he’s directed, giving us expert insight and in-depth commentaries on each of the cult classics. Stills, interviews and first-person accounts add context to the book, while behind-the-scenes photos offer fans a tantalising glimpse into the world of Tarantino.
4. History of Film (World of Art)
Like many of the best books on film history, History of Film (World of Art) starts at the beginning. Author David Parkinson starts his story with the earliest shadow shows, and takes us right through to the high-tech film making of the twenty-first century.
Considering the impressive scope of the book, it’s remarkably concise. This makes it engaging and easy to read, even for those new to the world of cinema. In History of Film, we’re given a guided tour through some of the most important eras in film, from the silent movies of the early twentieth century to the Golden Age of Hollywood, and Italian Neorealism to the French New Wave. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of cinema or just want to learn more about the art form, this definitive study is a great place to begin.
Read the History of Film (World of Art) for more information on the story of cinema.
5. Artists' Film (World of Art)
David is the only person I know who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of – and a passion for – film in all its possibilities - Steve McQueen
If you think you know everything there is to know about film, think again. In Artists' Film (World of Art), we’re given an alternative history of the moving image, one that places the artist at the heart of the story. In the book, film expert David Curtis looks at artists who’ve been inspired by cinematic language and felt compelled to react to it in their own, unique ways.
From experimental films to video installations and multimedia shows, moving images have had a whole other life far away from the dimmed auditoriums of your local cinema. This generously illustrated book looks at over four hundred international artists who use video or moving images as their medium. Through their work, we can see that the art form is continually evolving, attracting new practitioners and new audiences as it grows in popularity around the world.
6. Spielberg: A Retrospective
Spielberg: A Retrospective celebrates more than fifty years of Steven Spielberg’s boundless energy and his unwavering commitment to excellence in all areas of his work. Drawing on his many first-person interviews, distinguished writer and critic Richard Schickel provides unique insight on every one of Spielberg’s thirty-four major movies. Including a personal foreword by the director himself, this is an insider’s perspective on Spielberg’s legendary achievements.
7. Tarkovsky
Renowned cinematic genius Andrey Tarkovsky was the most important Russian filmmaker of the post-war era. This beautiful monograph echoes the dream-like feel of his films, using extended sequences of stills to convey the look, atmosphere and disquiet of his creations. In fact, the photos in Tarkovsky are so evocative, they’re almost artworks in their own right.
Tarkovsky’s films stand out thanks to their metaphysical themes, extended takes and an absence of conventional dramatical structure and plot. By creating something visionary, and totally unique, the director is able to achieve an intensity and beauty that’s considered by many to be unparalleled. Featuring personal Polaroids and extracts from his writings, this mesmerising study is a fantastic introduction to the filmmaker and his art.
Read Tarkovsky to learn all about this pioneering director.
8. Chinese Movie Magazines: From Charlie Chaplin to Chairman Mao 1921-1951
Fans of Eastern cinema will get a kick out of this new hardback- Home Cinema Choice
Chinese Movie Magazines is a must have for film, design and pop culture aficionados.
With expertly curated covers, and authoritative and entertaining commentary, collector and Chinese cinema specialist Paul Fonoroff guides readers through the jewels of the genre, offering unique insights into the evolution of Chinese movies and the influence of Hollywood along the way. From a colourful Charlie Chaplin to earnest portraits of Chairman Mao, this extraordinary volume covers the oldest extant Chinese movie magazine – established in 1921 – and the last independently owned ‘fanzine’ of 1951.
9. The African Gaze: Photography, Cinema and Power
10. Ultimate Anime: 100 Essential Films and Series
From the arthouse tragedy of Belladonna of Sadness to the suave swagger of Cowboy Bebop, Ultimate Anime by Joe O'Connell is an expertly curated guide revealing the depth, breadth and brilliance of Japan’s greatest export.
11. Almodóvar: A Retrospective
