Overview

The warlocks and ghosts of fantasy film haunt our popular culture, but the genre has too long been ignored by critics. This comprehensive critical survey of fantasy cinema demonstrates that the fantasy genre amounts to more than escapism. Through a meticulously researched analysis of more than a century of fantasy pictures--from the seminal work of Georges Melies to Peter Jackson's recent tours of Middle-earth--the work identifies narrative strategies and their recurring components and studies patterns of challenge and return, setting and character. First addressing the difficult task of defining the genre, the work examines fantasy as a cultural force in both film and literature and explores its relation to science fiction, horror, and fairy tales. Fantasy's development is traced from the first days of film, with emphasis on how the evolving genre reflected such events as economic depression and war. Also considered is fantasy's expression of politics, as either the subject of satire or fuel for the fires of propaganda. Discussion ventures into the subgenres, from stories of invented lands inhabited by fantastic creatures to magical adventures set in the familiar world, and addresses clashes between fantasy and faith, such as the religious opposition to the Harry Potter phenomenon. From the money-making classics to little-known arthouse films, this richly illustrated work covers every aspect of fantasy film.

Full Product Details

Author:   Alec Worley
Publisher:   McFarland & Co Inc
Imprint:   McFarland & Co Inc
Dimensions:   Width: 17.80cm , Height: 1.50cm , Length: 25.40cm
Weight:   0.558kg
ISBN:  

9781476681375

ISBN 10:   1476681376
Pages:   304
Publication Date:   13 February 2020
Recommended Age:   From 18 years
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Undergraduate ,  Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Table of Contents Acknowledgments      viii Foreword by Brian Sibley      Preface      1. Locating Fantasy      2. The Birth of Fantasy Cinema      3. Fairy Tales      4. Earthbound Fantasy      5. Heroic Fantasy      6. Epic Fantasy      Bibliography      Index     

Reviews

Most useful...recommended -Choice comprehensive...meticulously researched...richly illustrated -Prehistoric Times long overdue -Dreamwatch critical survey...comprehensive...Worley has researched his subject with the thoroughness of a scholar -Film Review an impassioned and enthusiastic read that really makes you want to seek out the more obscure titles...and believe in fairies -VECTOR The Critical Journal of the British Science Fiction Association terrific analysis...that tracks fantasy trends throughout film history...Worley makes points with reason and intelligence and the result is an impressive book...a stimulating read -NCFlix

Author Information

Author Alec Worley lives in London, England. He writes comics, books and audio dramas set in the worlds of fantasy, sci-fi and horror. Find out more at alecworley.com.

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