|
|
| General | ||
|
French Film Noir
By Robin Buss. Published by Batsford (2001). ISBN 071453036. 224 pages, with photographs. In English. |
A compelling exposition of the origins and development of film noir in French cinema, spanning
seven decades and over one hundred films. The readable, unpretentious style makes this
an accessible and enjoyable work, which offers some original (and sometimes provocative)
insights into a popular genre of French cinema.
Buy from amazon.co.uk... |
|
|
The French through their Films
By Robin Buss. Published by Batsford (1988). ISBN 0-7134-5360-5. 166 pages, with photographs. In English. |
A
readable and well-written book which shows how cultural and societal changes
in France over the past century have been reflected in her films.
It lacks detail on specific films, but provides an excellent overview of
French cinema, setting it in the context of life in France.
Buy from amazon.co.uk... |
|
|
The French New Wave: An Artistic School
By Michel Marie, Richard Neupert Published by Blackwell (2002) ISBN 0631226583 184 pages In English. |
A readable yet insightful introduction to one of the most significant events in
world cinema history, the French New Wave. This excellent book links the important developments
that were taking place in French cinema in the 1960s to political and social events of the time.
Buy from amazon.co.uk... |
|
|
Noir et blanc: 250 acteurs du cinéma français 1930-1960
By Olivier Barrot and Rayomond Chirat. Published by Flammarion (2000). ISBN 2-08-067877-9. 595 pages with photographs. In French. |
A
genuine labour of love which brings together 250 French film actors of
the golden era of black and white film spanning 1930 to 1960. Lesser
known actors appear alongside the icons of French cinema, each with a brief
résumé of his or her film career. The quality of the material
varies markedly, with some actors meriting a detailed biography, whilst
others having very little revealed about them. However, it
is a useful source of reference.
Buy from amazon.fr |
|
|
Une histoire du cinéma français
Edited by Claude Beylie Published by Larousse (2000). ISBN 2-03-505008-1 278 pages with many photographs. In French. |
An
excellent retrospective look at a 100 years of French cinema, with numerous
thumbnail biographies of actors and directors. Perhaps lacking in
detail, but an excellent overview.
Buy from amazon.fr |
|
| Biographies | ||
|
Belmondo
By Philippe Durant. Published by Robert Laffont (1998). ISBN 2-221-08944-8. 498 pages with photographs. In French. |
The
definitive biography of one of France’s best loved actors, Jean-Paul Belmondo.
Well written, well researched, and an enjoyable easy read, filled with
amusing anecdotes about the many films Belmondo starred in.
Buy from amazon.fr |
|
|
François Truffaut
By Antoine de Baecque and Serge Toubiana. Published by Gallimard (1997). ISBN 2-07-073629-6. 659 pages with photographs. In French. |
An
extraordinary biography about one of France’s most extraordinary film-makers,
François Truffaut, offering a detailed insight into the life of
a man whose main passion in life was cinema. A compelling read
from start to finish, sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, and highly
recommended.
Buy from amazon.fr |
|
|
Godard
By Richard Roud. Published by Thames Hudson (1970), ISBN 0-500-48010-9. 192 pages with photographs. In English. |
A
personal critique on Godard’s early films (A bout de souffle to
La
Vent d’est), which attempts to rationalise the director’s cinema and
set it in the context of contemporary events. An intelligent and
well-written book, illustrated with many rare photographs, with credits
for all of Godard’s early films (up to 1969).
Buy from amazon.co.uk |
|
|
Les Mystères Delon
By Bernard Violet. published by Flammarion (2000). ISBN 2-08-068105-2. 560 pages. In French. |
A
thorough and very readable biography of Alain Delon, one of France’s most
elusive and enigmatic actors. Written without the actor’s consent,
the author has been doggedly careful to avoid litigation. Hence,
the book concentrates on facts rather than speculation, although it is
not entirely successful in dispelling myth surrounding the actor.
Buy from amazon.fr |
|
Browse more books on French Cinema...
© filmsdefrance.com 2009