Synopses & Reviews
Before the turn of the 20th century, before the nickelodeon, even before the first cinemas, George Méliès began making movies. In addition to the fairy tales and fantasies for which he is best known, he made films in every genre from newsreels and commercial advertisements to science fiction and pornography. This major study of Méliès's films interprets his work using the tools of modern film analysis and explores several myths about Méliès's role in film history.
Review
"By demonstrating the richness and coherence of this auteur's works, Ezra proves that even 'primitive' films can be illuminated by sensibly applied contemporary theory. This critical explication gives Ezra's study the edge..." --
Choice
Synopsis
Before the turn of the twentieth century, before the nickelodeon, even before the first cinemas, Georges Melies began making movies. Directing, editing, producing, designing, and starring in over 500 films between 1896 to 1912, Melies was also the first cinematic auteur. This is the first study of Melies's films to appear in English in over twenty years and the only book to interpret his work using the tools of modern film analysis. Locates the roots of modern narrative cinema in Melies's work, identifying techniques of editing and mise-en-scene previously thought to have originated with D. W. Griffith.
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About the Author
Elizabeth Ezra teaches in the French Department at the University of Stirling.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Narrative Attractions * Méliès Does Tricks * Fantastic Realism * The Amazing Flying Woman * Imaginary Voyages * Conclusion Introduction: Narrative Attractions * Méliès Does Tricks * Fantastic Realism * The Amazing Flying Woman * Imaginary Voyages * Conclusion