Encompassing the careers of over 300 directors who have worked within the British and Irish film industries over the last twenty years, this volume covers stalwarts such as David Lean, Richard Attenborough and Neil Jordan; pioneers of 1960s social realism such as Lindsay Anderson and Tony Richardson; 1980s heritage filmmakers Ismail Merchant and James Ivory; stylistic innovators such as Sally Potter, Lynne Ramsay and Derek Jarman; documentarists Nick Broomfield and Kevin MacDonald; and many emergent contemporary talents such as Danny Boyle, Shane Meadows, and Guy Ritchie. For each director, the volume provides brief biographical material, a complete filmography, and critical analysis of individual works.

Yoram Allon is Editorial Director of Wallflower Press. Del Cullen is Chief Editor of Wallflower Press and a novelist and screenwriter. Hannah Patterson is Associate Editor of Wallflower Press and a freelance film critic.

2001
416 pages
1-903364-21-3    £17.99 (pbk)
1-903364-22-1    £50.00 (hbk)

view contents


chapter samples
Editors' Preface
List of Contributors
Introduction by Mike Hodges


reviews
‘Brilliantly and incisively documents the new British and Irish cinema. The entries are authoritative, persuasive and compulsively readable. An utterly indispensable reference volume for serious scholars and films enthusiasts alike.’
Wheeler Winston Dixon, University of Nebraska

‘A thoroughly well-researched and very comprehensive work that will be a useful resource for the film industry professional, academic and anyone who is interested in the contemporary history of British and Irish filmmaking.’
Adrian Wootton, Chief Executive of Film London

‘Wallflower are currently very busy with cinema. Their excellent Short Cuts series is slicing a clear path through the often migraine-inducing blather of Film Studies, while reflecting a fine editorial eye for concept control. Layout and design are also hard to resist. You don’t buy books for their covers, but even if you do, you’d still end up with a posy of these things. The Critical Guide series is no less impressive. The excellent Contemporary North American Film Directors guide is followed up with this volume devoted to directors of the … Anglo-Celtic Archipelago … As a reference tool this Critical Guide is utterly indispensable … Addictive.’
Nada Ward, Film Ireland

‘The editors have wisely chosen to include non-native directors, such as Joseph Losey and Stanley Kubrick, who have been major forces in the UK film industry, in addition to less serious personalities like Hammer Studio's Freddie Francis. Many of the names here – e.g., Michael Lindsay-Hogg, Ismail Merchant and Ridley Scott – will be familiar to anyone interested in cinema, but emerging and little-known directors are also well represented. Each of the signed, alphabetically arranged critical essays provides brief biographical data on the director, an overview of his or her career, and occasional information on upcoming projects. Entries range from a brief paragraph to roughly four pages, depending on the significance of the director, but all are well written and insightful. An excellent addition to all academic and public library film collections.’
Anthony J. Adam

‘A handsome, wonderfully informative new volume … is especially welcomed for its eclectic mixture of essays … No one interested in movies should miss them ... Quite simply remaining among the very best ever publications on cinema with fine writing and masses of information, devoted to films, actors and directors.’
The Veteran (ten best biographical guides to film makers)

‘No question, this 384-page softcover is an essential addition to any movie-lover’s library … This outstanding volume continually reminded me of just how many weird and wonderful films have emerged out of the United Kingdom.’
Shock Cinema

‘An excellent addition to all academic and public library film collections.’
Library Journal

‘Wallflower’s new critical guide provides an informed and useful resource for students and researchers of film and is evidence of British and Irish cinema’s rich body of filmmakers … Considering the number of entries, the depth of analysis is impressive … Wallflower’s latest offering and its detailed approach will no doubt prove an invaluable resource to anyone interested in British and Irish cinema.’
Scope

‘The variety of entries is commendable … This is an excellent source of information with plenty of engaging detail and opinion.’
Film Review

‘A concise guide to British and Irish directors, recommended to academic and public libraries.’
CHOICE

‘An invaluable reference for students, researchers and enthusiasts of film.’
www.film-media-resources.co.uk

‘An invaluable reference book.'
Time Out


books of related interest
The Cinema of Britain and Ireland
The Cinema of Ken Loach: Art in the Service of the People
The Cinema of Mike Leigh: A Sense of the Real
British Social Realism: From Documentary to Brit Grit
Keeping it Real: Irish Film and Television
Fires Were Started: British Cinema and Thatcherism