Written by two leading scholars of French film, this study is an introduction to the history and theory of French cinema and an examination of the concepts and techniques involved in the study of film. Features a model essay, sample film analyses, an appendix of statistics, filmography, bibliography and glossary of terms.

Leigh’s work has always reflected its times and entered the vernacular, whether the harsh studies of Meantime and Naked or the humor of the now legendary Abigail’s Party and Nuts in May. Above all, Leigh is an accomplished storyteller, and these films deal with universal themes: births, marriages and deaths, parenthood and failed relationships, families and their secrets and lies. Leigh speaks to Amy Raphael more openly than ever before about his life and inimitable working method, revealing himself as passionate, wise, and the owner of a dry and playful Mancunian wit.

“Full of wisdom, insight, and practical filmmaking experience. It’s really what goes on day to day in the trenches. Where was this book when I was starting out?”—Woody Allen

Pedro Almodóvar's films—such as Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!, All About My Mother, and Talk to Her, to name a few—are colorful and deeply felt celebrations of life and love. The influence of these works, which have been feted around the world, has been immense, and Almodóvar on Almodóvar tells the personal story of the man and his wonderfully vivid and outrageous vision.