Fantasy Film A Critical Introduction

Fantasy Filmproposes an innovative approach to the study of this most popular cinematic genre. Engaging with the diversity of tones, forms and styles that fantasy can take in the cinema, the book examines the value and significance of fantasy across a wide range of key films. The aim is to extend critical understanding beyond the narrowly confined boundaries of what is seen as "fantasy." Fantasy Filmuses key concepts in film studies -- such as authorship, representation, history, genre, coherence and point of view -- to interrogate the fantasy genre and establish its parameters. A wide range of films are held up to close scrutiny to illustrate the discussion. Moving from Fritz Lang's dark thrillers to Vincente Minnelli's vibrant musicals, from George Melies' 1904 Voyage B travers l'impossibleto Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Ringstrilogy, the creative dexterity and excitement of film fantasy is evoked and explored. The book will be invaluable to students or fans of the fantasy genre.

James Walters is Lecturer in Film and Television Studies at the University of Birmingham and author of Alternative Worlds in Hollywood Cinema and co-editor of Film Moments.

Introduction  1. Approaching Fantasy Film  2. Fantasy, History and Cinema  3. Fantasy, Authorship and Genre  4. Fantasy, Childhood and Entertainment  5. Fantasy, Imagination and Interiority  6. Fantasy, Style and Coherence    Conclusion  Annotated Guide to Further Reading  Filmography  Bibliography  Index