Contemporary French cinema is an essential introduction to popular French film of the last 35 years. It charts recent developments in all genres of French cinema with analyses of over 120 movies, from Les Valseuses to Cache. Reflecting the diversity of French film production since the New Wave, this clear and perceptive study includes chapters on the heritage film, the thriller and the war movie, alongside the 'cinema du look', representations of sexuality, comedies, the work of women film makers and le jeune cinema. Each chapter introduces the public reception and critical debates surrounding a given genre, interwoven with detailed accounts of relevant films. Confirmed as a major contribution to both Film Studies and French Studies, this book is a fascinating volume for students and fans of French film alike. -- .
List of illustrations Preface Acknowledgements 1 French cinema from 1895 to 1968, a brief survey 2 Holocaust documentary, the war film and national identity 3 Representations of sexuality 4 Women film-makers in France 5 The 'polar' 6 The 'cinema du look' and fantasy film 7 The heritage film 8 Comedy 9 'Le jeune cinema' and the new realism Filmography Index -- .
