Product Description

This is a thorough and definitive survey/history of documentary films. Concentrating mainly on the output of the US, the UK, and Canada, the authors outline the origins of the form and then show its development over the next several decades. The book is completely up-to-date in discussing films like Fahrenheit 9/11 and Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer, and in its coverage of IMAX movies and the development of cable and satellite television outlets.

Written in a simple, chronological format, the text is straightforward and full of content, information, and historical perspective. (There is hardly any academic jargon or high-level theory.) Each chapter concludes with a list of the key documentaries in that particular time period or genre, and there are helpful appendices listing all the winners of the Academy Award for Best Documentary, as well as the winners of the Grierson Award.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #218905 in Books
• Published on: 2005-08-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 385 pages

About the Author
Jack C. Ellis is Professor Emeritus of Northwestern University, where he taught film from 1956-91. He has also taught, over that period, at the University of Texas, NYU, and UCLA. He was a founding member of the Society for Cinema Studies, and was awarded Honorary Life Membership in 1998. His textbook A History of Film (co-authored with Virginia Wright Wexman) is currently in its fifth edition, published in the US by Allyn & Bacon.

Customer Reviews

Documentary Film
I co-wrote this book.

It is the very best, easy-to read history of documentary film in English language you will find. Many photos also and a good value. You will keep it for years.