This introductory text analyzes 25 years of popular French film including recent developments in all genres. Reflecting French cinema's diversity since the new Wave, chapters include the Heritage film; thrillers; war movies; Cinema-du-Look; representations of sexuality; women film-makers; and others. Each chapter introduces the public reception and critical debates surrounding a given genre, interwoven with detailed accounts of individual films from "Les Valseuses" to "Les Visiteurs" and "Delicatessen". Those looking at French film for the first time should have the opportunity to read at length about the internationally renowned work of Cinema-du-Look directors Luc Besson, Jean-Jacques Beineix and Leos Carax, as well as recent blockbusters of the Heritage genre from "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "Jean de Florette" to "Germinal" and "La Reine Margot". The book includes a glossary and detailed filmography.

Guy Austin is Reader in French at the University of Sheffield

1. Introduction: histoire/s du cinema.
2. Documentary, History, Nationality since 1968.
3. Representations of Sexuality.
4. Women's Cinema.
5. The polar: France and Hollywood.
6. Cinema du look: la nouvelle nouvelle vague.
7. Conclusion: France and Hollywood.
Glossary, Filmography and Bibliography.