Constantine Santas encourages us to wonder why film critics have so routinely dismissed the epic film. In The Epic in Film, he argues that 'blockbuster' and 'artistic' are not mutually exclusive terms, and, perhaps more importantly, epic film is an inherently profound genre in its ability to tap into a nation's, and sometimes humanity's, dreams and fears. Why do we see dozens and dozens of films based on the King Arthur legend? Why would a presidential-hopeful borrow a phrase, 'Read my lips, ' from Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry? Why do war epics proliferate in times of war or national crisis?...

Constantine Santas encourages us to wonder why film critics have so routinely dismissed the epic film. In The Epic in Film, he argues that "blockbuster" and "artistic" are not mutually exclusive terms, and, perhaps more importantly, epic film is an inherently profound genre in its ability to tap into a nation's, and sometimes humanity's, dreams and fears. Why do we see dozens and dozens of films based on the King Arthur legend? Why would a presidential-hopeful borrow a phrase, "Read my lips," from Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry? Why do war epics proliferate in times of war or national crisis?...

Many film fans consider Humphrey Bogart the ultimate star of Hollywood's golden era. He rose from supporting roles in the early 1930s to become a superstar by the end of the decade. Bogart appeared in more classic films than just about any other actor in American cinema. In addition to The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, The Big Sleep, The Treasure of Sierra Madre, and The African Queen, Bogart starred in dozens of other highly regarded films until his death in 1956. In The Essential Humphrey Bogart, Constantine Santas looks at the most important films of this Hollywood legend's career. Along...

Soon after film came into existence, the term epic was used to describe productions that were lengthy, spectacular, live with action, and often filmed in exotic locales with large casts and staggering budgets. The effort and extravagance needed to mount an epic film paid off handsomely at the box office, for the genre became an immediate favorite with audiences. Epic films survived the tribulations of two world wars and the Depression and have retained the basic characteristics of size and glamour for more than a hundred years. Length was, and still is, one of the traits of the epic, though...

Responding to Film is a dynamic tool for students who seek as complete an understanding of film as is humanly possible. By focusing on film, the author looks at how it offers students an understanding of themselves, of their culture, and of art. This guide also seeks to familiarize students with the practical methodology for studying film: how to understand film genres, techniques, and language.

This book examines each of Ingrid Bergman most significant films, from her early career in Sweden and her triumphs in Hollywood in the 1940s and 50s to her acclaimed performances in the 1970s and 80s. Each entry provides production history, plot summaries, film highlights, and major award details. DVD and Blu-Ray availability are also provided.