"This new edition of a classic student textbook explores the feature film as entertainment, as narrative and as cultural event. Graeme Turner discusses the major theoretical issues surrounding the history of film production and film studies, using them to examine the cultural function of film and its place in our popular culture rather than its status as the 'seventh art'." "Turner considers issues of film institutions and their place in national political culture and the relevance of cultural theory, from the UK, the US, and Australia, in explaining the social practice of making, watching and talking about feature films. This new edition incorporates analysis of classic and popular contemporary films, now including Batman, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Home Alone, with a selection of brand new film stills; new theoretical material, with particular discussion of feminist theory and the female spectator; and arguments revised throughout to take into account recent developments in film and cultural theory and changing cinematic trends."--BOOK JACKET.