Film is considered to be the dominant art form of the twentieth century. It can be considered many other things; a record of events, a modern mythology, a career, an industry, an art, a hobby, and much else. Michael Wood explores the history of film, its venture into the digital age, and its role and impact on modern society.

An enlightening guide to all the magical workings of watching film from 'a giant in the world of film criticism' (The Times).

The first book by the nation's favourite film experts whose BBC Radio 5 Live film review show is downloaded by 2 million people every month

The Rough Guide to Comedy Movies uncovers cinema's funniest and most varied genre, from silent slapstick, to 90s gross-out and the dark indie humour of today.

One of the most revered of contemporary filmmakers, Werner Herzog kept a diary during the making of "Fitzcarraldo", the lavish 1982 film that tells the story of a would-be robber baron who pulls a steamship over a hill to access a rich rubber territory. This title offers a glimpse into the mind of Herzog during the making of the film.

Intrigued by the idea of frontier wilderness, of law and order vs lawlessness, and a firm belief that 'the better the bad guy, the better the film', Barry Stone goes beyond the American south-west to pay homage to the Italian and even Australian western - and, after much deliberation, he ranks them in order...

Following his hugely acclaimed TV come-back "Comedy Vehicle", Stewart Lee finds himself in search of ideas for a new Edinburgh show. Thanks to Jeremy Clarkson's casual slur against Gordon Brown and the appearance of a well-meaning young comedian in an advert, a show is born. This title features a transcript of the show annotated with footnotes.

When the head of Hudsucker Industries jumps to his death, the Board of Directors devises a devilish scheme to keep control of the company - appoint as the new President someone who they can push around. Their choice is Norville Barnes - but Norville has a dream of power.

One of a hand-picked selection of some of the most popular and cult-worthy titles on Faber and Faber's extensive list of film scripts.

Stars, studio heads and colleagues - David Putnam is a regular target - all come under Parker's merciless gaze as he works out the frustrations of being a professional film-maker with acid wit in this collection of cartoons.

Alternating between frenetic violence and comic banter, this film constantly undercut the audience's expectations. This script for "Reservoir Dogs" depicts an exuberant, amoral universe with blood, guts and razor-sharp dialogue.

A classic real-life adventure story from the Second World War involving Patrick Leigh Fermor, kidnap and a Nazi manhunt.

Hitchcock's 1964 psychological thriller "Marnie" generated wider critical controversy than any other film of his career. This study details the film from conception to postproduction and marketing, showing the film-making process in action, with production details and participants' oral history.

An essential guide to the world of movies

With this book in your pocket you can gasp as directors break the 30 rule, marvel as Oedipus complexes are resolved, shudder as you become aware of your own voyeurism and discover how to tell your metteur en scene from your mise en scene. Going to the cinema may never be the same again...

The first biography of the Rat Pack - Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop et al - the original Swingers. Brilliant and beautifully written story of their rise and fall, and their connections with the Kennedys and the Mafia.

One of a hand-picked selection of some of the most popular and cult-worthy titles on Faber and Faber's extensive list of film scripts.