Otto Preminger (1905-1986), whose Hollywood career spanned the 1930s through the 1970s, is popularly remembered for the acclaimed films he directed, among which are the classic film noir Laura, the social-realist melodrama The Man with the Golden Arm, the CinemaScope musical Carmen Jones, and the riveting courtroom drama Anatomy of a Murder. As a screen actor, he forged an indelible impression as a sadistic Nazi in Billy Wilder's Stalag 17 and as the diabolical Mr. Freeze in television's Batman. He is remembered, too, for drastically transforming Hollywood's industrial practices. With Exodus, Preminger broke the Hollywood blacklist, controversially granting screen credit to Dalton Trumbo, one of the exiled "Hollywood Ten." Preminger, a committed liberal, consistently shattered Hollywood's conventions. He routinely tackled socially progressive yet risque subject matter, pressing the Production Code's limits of permissibility. He mounted Black-cast musicals at a period of intense racial unrest. And he embraced a string of other taboo topics-heroin addiction, rape, incest, homosexuality-that established his reputation as a trailblazer of adult-centered storytelling, an enemy of Hollywood puritanism, and a crusader against censorship. Otto Preminger: Interviews compiles nineteen interviews from across Preminger's career, providing fascinating insights into the methods and mindset of a wildly polarizing filmmaker. With remarkable candor, Preminger discusses his filmmaking practices, his distinctive film style, his battles against censorship and the Hollywood blacklist, his clashes with film critics, and his turbulent relationships with a host of well-known stars, from Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra to Jane Fonda and John Wayne.

This book examines the aesthetic qualities of particular Chinese-language films and the rich artistic traditions from which they spring. It brings together leading experts in the field, and encompasses detailed and wide-ranging case studies of films such as Hero, House of Flying Daggers, Spring in a Small Town, 24 City, and The Grandmaster, and filmmakers including Hou Hsiao-hsien, Jia Zhangke, Chen Kaige, Fei Mu, Zhang Yimou, Johnnie To, and Wong Kar-wai. By illuminating the form and style of Chinese films from across cinema history, The Poetics of Chinese Cinema testifies to the artistic value and uniqueness of Chinese-language filmmaking.

Since the publication of the first volume of "Directory of World Cinema: China," the Chinese film industry has intensified its efforts to make inroads into the American market. The 2012 acquisition of US theater chain AMC and visual effects house Digital Domain by Chinese firms testifies to the global ambitions of China's powerhouse film industry. Yet Chinese cinema has had few crossover hits in recent years to match the success of such earlier films as "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon;" "House of Flying Daggers;" and "Kung Fu Hustle." Yet even overseas revenue for Chinese movies has dwindled, domestic market growth has surged year after year. Indeed, annual production output remains healthy, and the daily expansion of screens in second-or third-tier cities attracts audiences whose tastes favor domestic films over foreign imports.
A survey of a vibrant--and expanding--industry, "Directory of World Cinema: China 2" examines, among other themes, China's desire for success and fulfillment in the United States, as well as the extensive history of representing China--and the Chinese in America--on US movie screens. With contributions from some of the leading academics in the field, this volume will be essential reading for all fans of Chinese film.

Otto Preminger (1905-1986), whose Hollywood career spanned the 1930s through the 1970s, is popularly remembered for the acclaimed films he directed, among which are the classic film noir Laura, the social-realist melodrama The Man with the Golden Arm, the CinemaScope musical Carmen Jones, and the riveting courtroom drama Anatomy of a Murder. As a screen actor, he forged an indelible impression as a sadistic Nazi in Billy Wilder's Stalag 17 and as the diabolical Mr. Freeze in television's Batman. He is remembered, too, for drastically transforming Hollywood's industrial practices. With Exodus, Preminger broke the Hollywood blacklist, controversially granting screen credit to Dalton Trumbo, one of the exiled "Hollywood Ten." Preminger, a committed liberal, consistently shattered Hollywood's conventions. He routinely tackled socially progressive yet risque subject matter, pressing the Production Code's limits of permissibility. He mounted Black-cast musicals at a period of intense racial unrest. And he embraced a string of other taboo topics-heroin addiction, rape, incest, homosexuality-that established his reputation as a trailblazer of adult-centered storytelling, an enemy of Hollywood puritanism, and a crusader against censorship. Otto Preminger: Interviews compiles nineteen interviews from across Preminger's career, providing fascinating insights into the methods and mindset of a wildly polarizing filmmaker. With remarkable candor, Preminger discusses his filmmaking practices, his distinctive film style, his battles against censorship and the Hollywood blacklist, his clashes with film critics, and his turbulent relationships with a host of well-known stars, from Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra to Jane Fonda and John Wayne.

At a moment when superheroes dominate pop culture, Gary Bettinson takes us back to the first comic book blockbuster. Superman: The Movie - The 40th Anniversary Interviews is a revealing behind-the-scenes portrait of the personalities and expertise that went into making this landmark of Hollywood cinema. Marking 40 years since the film's release, this book presents all-new interviews with the cast and crew, including Richard Donner (director), Ilya Salkind (producer), Pierre Spengler (producer), Margot Kidder (actor), Marc McClure (actor), Jeff East (actor), Sarah Douglas (actor) and Jack O'Halloran (actor). The book serves as a rare insider account of an acclaimed blockbuster that was steeped in controversy throughout production. With refreshing candour, the interviewees cast light on the making and legacy of Superman: The Movie. Charting the film's inception through to its runaway release, this book provides a valuable insight into the practical logistics and day-to-day realities of mounting a big-budget production at a time when high-concept Hollywood blockbusters were only just emerging as a genre.

Dumplings stuffed with diabolical fillings. Sword-wielding zombies. Hopping cadavers. Big-head babies. For decades, Hong Kong cinema has served up images of horror quite unlike those found in other parts of the world. In seminal films such as A Chinese Ghost Story, Rouge, The Eye, Dumplings, and Rigor Mortis, the region's filmmakers have pushed the boundaries of genre, cinematic style, and bad taste. But what makes Hong Kong horror cinema so utterly unique? Why does it hold such fascination for "serious" cinephiles and cult fans alike? Hong Kong Horror Cinema is the first English-language study of this delirious and captivating cinematic tradition, offering new insights into the history of Hong Kong horror through case studies of classic films and through a detailed consideration of their aesthetic power, economic significance, and cultural impact in both the global and domestic market.

The first book-length English-language study of Hong Kong horror filmsDumplings stuffed with diabolical fillings. Sword-wielding zombies. Hopping cadavers. Big-head babies. For decades, Hong Kong cinema has served up images of horror quite unlike those found in other parts of the world. In seminal films such as 'A Chinese Ghost Story, Rouge, The Eye, Dumplings', and 'Rigor Mortis', the region's filmmakers have pushed the boundaries of genre, cinematic style, and bad taste. But what makes Hong Kong horror cinema so utterly unique? Why does it hold such fascination for serious cinephiles and cult fans alike? 'Hong Kong Horror Cinema' is the first English-language study of this delirious and captivating cinematic tradition, offering new insights into the history of Hong Kong horror through case studies of classic films and through a detailed consideration of their aesthetic power, economic significance, and cultural impact in both the global and domestic market.ContributorsGary Bettinson, Lancaster UniversityFelicia Chan, University of ManchesterKenneth Chan, University of Northern ColoradoDavid Scott Diffrient, Colorado State UniversityAndrew Grossman, Independent ScholarEnrique Ajuria Ibarra, Universidad de las Americas Puebla, MexicoVivian Lee, City University of Hong KongLiang Luo, University of KentuckyDaniel Martin, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)Lisa Odham Stokes, Seminole State College, Central FloridaRaymond Tsang, New York UniversityAndy Willis, University of Salford

Commended for their social relevance and artistic value, Chinese films remain at the forefront of international cinema, bolstered in recent years by a new generation of talented young filmmakers. "Directory of World Cinema: China" presents an accessible overview of the definitive films of Hong Kong and mainland China, with particular attention to the achievements of prolific industry figures, the burgeoning independent sector, and the embrace of avant-garde practices of art cinema. Spanning a variety of characteristic genres, including horror, heroic bloodshed, romantic comedy, and kung-fu, reviews cover individual titles in considerable depth and are accompanied by a selection of full-color film stills. A comprehensive filmography and a bibliography of recommended reading complete this essential companion to Chinese cinema.