Empires of the Imagination

A Critical Survey of Fantasy Cinema from Georges Melies to The Lord of the Rings

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by Alec Worley and Brian Sibley

Type

Studies

Subject

Genre > Fantasy

Keywords

fantasy, history of cinema

Publishing date

2020

Publisher

McFarland & Co

1st publishing

2005

Language

English

Relative size

Physical desc.

Paperback • 304 pages
7 x 10 inches (18 x 25.5 cm)

ISBN

978-1-4766-8137-5

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Book Presentation:
The warlocks and ghosts of fantasy film haunt our popular culture, but the genre has too long been ignored by critics. This comprehensive critical survey of fantasy cinema demonstrates that the fantasy genre amounts to more than escapism. Through a meticulously researched analysis of more than a century of fantasy pictures--from the seminal work of Georges Melies to Peter Jackson's recent tours of Middle-earth--the work identifies narrative strategies and their recurring components and studies patterns of challenge and return, setting and character.

First addressing the difficult task of defining the genre, the work examines fantasy as a cultural force in both film and literature and explores its relation to science fiction, horror, and fairy tales. Fantasy's development is traced from the first days of film, with emphasis on how the evolving genre reflected such events as economic depression and war. Also considered is fantasy's expression of politics, as either the subject of satire or fuel for the fires of propaganda. Discussion ventures into the subgenres, from stories of invented lands inhabited by fantastic creatures to magical adventures set in the familiar world, and addresses clashes between fantasy and faith, such as the religious opposition to the Harry Potter phenomenon. From the money-making classics to little-known arthouse films, this richly illustrated work covers every aspect of fantasy film.

About the authors:
Author Alec Worley lives in London, England. He writes comics, books and audio dramas set in the worlds of fantasy, sci-fi and horror. Find out more at alecworley.com.

Press Reviews:
"most useful...recommended"―Choice; "comprehensive...meticulously researched...richly illustrated"―Prehistoric Times; "long overdue"―Dreamwatch; "critical survey...comprehensive...Worley has researched his subject with the thoroughness of a scholar"―Film Review; "an impassioned and enthusiastic read that really makes you want to seek out the more obscure titles...and believe in fairies"―VECTOR: The Critical Journal of the British Science Fiction Association; "terrific analysis...that tracks fantasy trends throughout film history...Worley makes points with reason and intelligence and the result is an impressive book...a stimulating read"―NCFlix.

See the publisher website: McFarland & Co