Nonfiction Film: A Critical History...
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Nonfiction Film: A Critical History covers almost one hundred years in the worldwide development of the nonfiction film, from the first factual films of 1895 to the cinema of the …
Book Summary
Richard Barsam's Nonfiction Film: A Critical History is a comprehensive one-volume study tracing nonfiction cinema from 1895 to the 1980s. It examines major movements, genres, and over 2,000 films, offering deep critical analysis of directors like Flaherty, Vertov, Riefenstahl, and Wiseman. This revised edition remains an unmatched resource for understanding the evolution and cultural impact of factual film.
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About Nonfiction Film: A Critical History...
Nonfiction Film: A Critical History by Richard Barsam is a landmark scholarly work that surveys nearly a century of nonfiction filmmaking worldwide. Spanning from the earliest factual films of 1895 to the cinema of the 1980s, it covers movements such as exploration film, war propaganda, documentary, compilation film, Cinéma vérité, and liberation films. Barsam provides detailed analyses of over 2,000 films and profiles influential directors including the Lumières, Dziga Vertov, Robert Flaherty, John Grierson, Leni Riefenstahl, Frank Capra, Frederick Wiseman, and the Maysles brothers. This revised and expanded edition of the 1973 original fills a crucial gap for a comprehensive critical study, unmatched in its depth and breadth. It contextualizes nonfiction film within historical and cultural influences, making it an essential text for students, scholars, and cinephiles seeking to understand the rich tradition of factual film.
Who should read Nonfiction Film: A Critical History...?
This book is essential for film studies students, scholars, and historians seeking a thorough critical overview of nonfiction cinema. It suits advanced undergraduates and graduate students in film, media, and cultural studies, as well as documentary filmmakers and programmers wanting historical context. Cinephiles and critics interested in the evolution of factual film movements and major directors will find it invaluable. Libraries and academic institutions should include it as a key reference.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Unmatched comprehensiveness covering over 2,000 films and numerous movements
- ✓ In-depth critical analysis of genres, directors, and historical contexts
- ✓ Revised and expanded edition updates the classic 1973 original
- ✓ Accessible yet scholarly writing suitable for both students and general readers
- ✓ Provides a global perspective on nonfiction film development
Cons
- ✗ Publication date means coverage stops in the 1980s, missing later developments
- ✗ Dense academic prose may overwhelm casual readers
- ✗ Limited focus on contemporary digital or non-Western nonfiction beyond mentioned areas
- ✗ Some may find the critical approach dated compared to newer theoretical frameworks
- ✗ Lacks illustrations or film stills that could enhance understanding
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Frequently asked questions
Does this book cover contemporary nonfiction films after the 1980s?
No, the book's coverage ends with the cinema of the 1980s, as it is a revised edition of a work first published in 1973. For post-1980s developments, readers should consult more recent surveys.
Is this book suitable for beginners in film studies?
While accessible, it is scholarly and assumes some familiarity with film history. Beginners may find it challenging but rewarding, especially with guidance from instructors.
What makes this edition different from the original 1973 version?
The revised and expanded edition includes updated analyses, additional films and directors, and incorporates new scholarship while maintaining the original's comprehensive scope.
Does the book include discussions of women and LGBTQ+ filmmakers?
Yes, it covers contemporary women's, lesbian, and gay liberation films, reflecting the diversity of nonfiction filmmaking.
Is this book primarily theoretical or historical?
It is primarily historical and critical, focusing on movements, directors, and films within their cultural contexts, rather than advancing a single theoretical framework.
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