Review by Choice Review
Elsaesser and Wedel (teachers, authors, and authorities on German-language cinema), with 17 contributors, have produced this worthy entry in the "BFI Companion" series. A concise and frank general introduction establishing the editors' objectives is followed by a second introduction by Elsaesser that explores the volatile state of German cinema over the last decade. Lively, provocative, and referring to individual entries, but more in the nature of a scholarly essay, it assumes enough preexisting knowledge of German film to make one wish for a more general survey. The body of the work consists of more than 200 alphabetical, cross-referenced entries on persons, institutions, and concepts central to German, Austrian, and Swiss cinema. The many personal entries on such expatriates as Marlene Dietrich, Fritz Lang, and currently popular directors Roland Emmerich and Wolfgang Peterson reflect the profound German influence on US cinema. The concluding bibliography, although excellent, gives preference to works in German, contrary to the editors' assertion in the general introduction. Appealing to scholars and professionals alike, this is an essential purchase for academic and special libraries supporting the study of film, particularly since nothing comparable presently exists. M. C. Duhig; Library Center of Point Park College and Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
More than 200 entries on actors, directors, producers, cinematographers, critics, movements, and more, from the 1980s to the 1990s.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Booklist Review
