Soon after film came into existence, the term epic was used to describe productions that were lengthy, spectacular, live with action, and often filmed in exotic locales with large casts and staggering budgets. The effort and extravagance needed to mount an epic film paid off handsomely at the box office, for the genre became an immediate favorite with audiences. Epic films survived the tribulations of two world wars and the Depression and have retained the basic characteristics of size and glamour for more than a hundred years. Length was, and still is, one of the traits of the epic, though monolithic three- to four-hour spectacles like Gone with the Wind (1939) and Lawrence of Arabia (1962) have been replaced today by such franchises as the Harry Potter films and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Although the form has evolved during many decades of existence, its central elements have been retained, refined, and modernized to suit the tastes of every new generation. The Encyclopedia of Epic Films identifies, describes, and analyzes those films that meet the criteria of the epic sweeping drama, panoramic landscapes, lengthy adventure sequences, and, in many cases, casts of thousands. This volume looks at the wide variety of epics produced over the last century from the silent spectacles of D. W. Griffith and biblical melodramas of Cecil B. DeMille to the historical dramas of David Lean and rollercoaster thrillers of Steven Spielberg. Each entry contains: .Major personnel behind the camera, including directors and screenwriters .Cast and character listings .Plot summary .Analysis .Academy Award wins and nominations .DVD and Blu-ray availability .Resources for further study This volume also includes appendixes of foreign epics, superhero spectaculars, and epics produced for television, along with a list of all the directors in the book. Despite a lack of overall critical recognition and respect as a genre, the epic remains a favorite of audiences, and this book pays homage to a form of mass entertainment that continues to fill movie theaters. The Encyclopedia of Epic Films will be of interest to academics and scholars, as well as any fan of films made on a grand scale."

Constantine Santas encourages us to wonder why film critics have so routinely dismissed the epic film. In The Epic in Film, he argues that "blockbuster" and "artistic" are not mutually exclusive terms, and, perhaps more importantly, epic film is an inherently profound genre in its ability to tap into a nation's, and sometimes humanity's, dreams and fears. Why do we see dozens and dozens of films based on the King Arthur legend? Why would a presidential-hopeful borrow a phrase, "Read my lips," from Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry? Why do war epics proliferate in times of war or national crisis? Why are epics as a whole the most popular movie genre? Start with an individual quest of some kind undertaken by an attractive hero or heroine, add the weight of a nation, and perhaps humanity, into that character's struggle, sprinkle some awe-inspiring special effects and a general sense of largesse, and don't forget the happy ending; and there you have a recipe for a film that can contain the deepest emotions-fear, hope, insecurity, pride-of a nation, and, sometimes, a world. Whether you love Gone with the Wind and hate Troy; find Akira Kurosawa's films brilliant; or marvel over the depth of the Matrix trilogy, film buffs will want to read this first book-length treatment of the epic, a wildly popular, infinitely fascinating, and critically underappreciated genre.

Constantine Santas encourages us to wonder why film critics have so routinely dismissed the epic film. In The Epic in Film, he argues that 'blockbuster' and 'artistic' are not mutually exclusive terms, and, perhaps more importantly, epic film is an inherently profound genre in its ability to tap into a nation's, and sometimes humanity's, dreams and fears. Why do we see dozens and dozens of films based on the King Arthur legend? Why would a presidential-hopeful borrow a phrase, 'Read my lips,' from Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry? Why do war epics proliferate in times of war or national crisis? Why are epics as a whole the most popular movie genre? Start with an individual quest of some kind undertaken by an attractive hero or heroine, add the weight of a nation, and perhaps humanity, into that character's struggle, sprinkle some awe-inspiring special effects and a general sense of largesse, and don't forget the happy ending; and there you have a recipe for a film that can contain the deepest emotions_fear, hope, insecurity, pride_of a nation, and, sometimes, a world. Whether you love Gone with the Wind and hate Troy; find Akira Kurosawa's films brilliant; or marvel over the depth of the Matrix trilogy, film buffs will want to read this first book-length treatment of the epic, a wildly popular, infinitely fascinating, and critically underappreciated genre.

Ingrid Bergman was not only an incomparable beauty but one of the finest actresses of cinema's Golden Age. She made her start in modest productions in Sweden before Hollywood beckoned and soon became one of filmdom's brightest stars. She appeared in many acclaimed films including Casablanca, For Whom the Bell Tolls, and Gaslight. While her personal life was briefly tainted by an affair and a consequent falling out with the American public, Bergman was eventually able to return to Hollywood, and eventually earned two of her three Academy Awards. In The Essential Films of Ingrid Bergman, Constantine Santas and James Wilson look at the most notable performances of the award-winning actress's career. From her early work in Swedish films to her final role in the mini-series A Woman called Golda, this book analyzes the entirety of Bergman's on-screen career, paying special attention to those aspects of her acting that made her stand out most-her undeniable range of emotion, her stunning vulnerability, and her indisputable beauty. Among the films discussed in this volume are Casablanca, Gaslight, Spellbound, The Bells of St. Mary's, Notorious, Indiscreet, and Murder on the Orient Express. This volume looks at each of Bergman's most significant films, covering nearly five decades of film making, from Swedish productions to her final films. Each entry provides production history, plot summaries, film highlights, and major award details. Highlighting more than twenty productions, The Essential Films of Ingrid Bergman is a must-have for every fan of the legendary actress.

Many film fans consider Humphrey Bogart the ultimate star of Hollywood's golden era. He rose from supporting roles in the early 1930s to become a superstar by the end of the decade. Bogart appeared in more classic films than just about any other actor in American cinema. In addition to The Maltese Falcon, Casablanca, The Big Sleep, The Treasure of Sierra Madre, and The African Queen, Bogart starred in dozens of other highly regarded films until his death in 1956. In The Essential Humphrey Bogart, Constantine Santas looks at the most important films of this Hollywood legend's career. Along with the established classics, this book discusses other films that showcase Bogart's superb acting talents, such as High Sierra, To Have and Have Not, Key Largo, In a Lonely Place, Beat the Devil, The Caine Mutiny, Sabrina, and The Desperate Hours. Presented in chronological order, these films chart the actor's ascent from stereotypical roles as gangsters in The Petrified Forest and Dead End to iconic roles like that of Sam Spade, Rick Blaine, and Philip Marlowe. In all of these performances Bogart showed his versatility, playing a variety of characters from tough detectives and war heroes to a lawyer, writer, gold prospector, river rat, and even a priest. Containing a brief biographical sketch of the actor, this volume then looks at each of Bogart's most significant films. Each entry states why the particular movie was included and is followed by a plot analysis, critical views from film historians, and DVD/Blu-ray availability. A key to the ranking system helps the reader select what film to view at his or her leisure. Highlighting more than thirty-five films, The Essential Humphrey Bogart is a must-have companion for every fan of this actor's work and will no doubt introduce viewers to other films to put on their must-see list.