The History of Independent Cinema

Everything you never knew about indie films!From the flickering silent images of the nickelodeon to the roaring vibrancy of today's digital video productions, independent cinema has always challenged the way films are created, released and viewed. The History of Independent Cinema presents an extraordinary journey that revisits the innovative men and women who stood up to the status quo and brought revolutionary new ideas and technologies to the motion picture world.The History of Independent Cinema celebrates the pioneers who introduced color, sound, widescreen projection and videography to the filmmaking process. You will meet the brave individuals who tore down racial and gender barriers behind the camera, challenged censorship taboos imposed on film production, formulated new strategies for film distribution, and created many of the greatest movies ever made.Spanning the full spectrum of the U.S. film experience, The History of Independent Cinema is a tribute to the legendary filmmakers and landmark films that reshaped - and continue to reshape - American popular culture."Independent film is a vast and varied territory, and Phil Hall's remarkable book explores every inch of it with wit, intelligence, a sympathetic spirit, and a wide-open mind. Fresh discoveries and surprising revelations abound on every topic from Edison to Aronofsky, Anger to Warhol, the silent era to the Internet age. It's hard to imagine a study more keenly in tune with one of cinema's liveliest, most multifaceted fields."- David Sterritt, Ph.D, chairman, National Society of Film Critics "Don't expect a dull history lesson from film critic Phil Hall. In his latest book, The History of Independent Cinema, Hall presents a fascinating analysis of the facts, events and people involved in the development of U.S. independent filmmaking. As usual, Hall's book entertains as well as enlightens us. It's a real treat for movie fans in general - or for anyone interested in learning more about indie cinema."- Betty Jo Tucker, editor/lead film critic for ReelTalk Movie Reviews, author of Confessions of a Movie Addict and Susan Sarandon: A True Maverick. "An engrossing and informative journey through the diverse landscape of American indie filmmaking - from the silent era to the 21st-century digital world - celebrating the visionaries and rebels that laid the groundwork for the Sundance explosion and beyond." - Steven Puchalski, publisher and editor, Shock Cinema Magazine "Well-researched, lucid, and surprisingly entertaining, Phil Hall's history is a wide-ranging and invaluable source for anyone interested in the development of the many branches of independent film. This is a book to welcome with open arms, to study, to enjoy, and to compulsively peruse into the wee hours of the night."- Robert Firsching, editor, The Amazing World of Cult Movies"A fascinating, meticulous book that celebrates the many facets of this art form. The History of Independent Cinema is wonderful."- Felix Vasquez Jr., editor, Cinema-Crazed.com Read more