Each of the varieties of cinema - experimental, documentary, short and animated - deserves its own story, and a superficial review would diminish their achievements. This book explores how commercial, independent and arthouse cinema emerged, flourished and continued to adapt to change throughout a turbulent century.

The book describes the main directions and genres of cinema, as well as shaping techniques. From Charlie Chaplin's groundbreaking early films to Quentin Tarantino's rethinking of the crime genre, the book explores films that have each been enjoyable, shocking, challenging, and engaging.

The book is divided into four sections: genres, key films, directions and methods. Each section can be read in any order, and links to other sections can be found at the bottom of each page. Beneath the line are key achievements and biographies of the directors.

Who is this book for

For fans of the Main in History series.

For anyone interested in cinema and wants to understand its genres, directions and techniques.