French Film Theory and Criticism, Volume 1: A History/Anthology, 1907-1939. Volume 1: 1907-1929 (French Film Theory & Criticism)

This first volume of what the author calls a "history/anthology" of French film theory and criticism covers the years 1907-1929. In these two decades, France produced some of the most extraordinary films of all time: Georges M li s, Ren Clair, and Abel Gance, director of Napoleon, were all in their heyday. In a series of essays interspersed with generous excerpts from his primary sources, Richard Abel demonstrates that these filmmakers, along with writers like Jean Cocteau, Antonin Artaud, and even Colette, engaged in fascinating critical debates about the meaning, the sociology, and the politics of their burgeoning national art. This is the only book in English to collect these writers' ideas on the movies. It is invaluable reading for anyone interested in the early history or modern theory of cinema.