MICHELLE LE BLANC

The animations of Japans Studio Ghibli are among the most respected in the movie industry. Their films rank alongside the most popular non-English language films ever made, with each new release a guaranteed box office hit. Yet this highly profitable studio has remained fiercely independent, producing a stream of imaginative and individual animations. The studios founders, Hayao Miyazaki and the late Isao Takahata, have created timeless masterpieces. Their films are distinctly Japanese but the themes are universal: humanity, community and a love for the environment.Studio Ghibli outlines the history of the studio and explores the early output of its founders. It examines all the studios major works including Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbour Totoro, Kikis Delivery Service, Only Yesterday, Porco Rosso, Pom Poko, Whisper of the Heart, Princess Mononoke and Howls Moving Castle, as well as the Oscar-winning Spirited Away.Also included are the more recent animations: Hayao Miyazakis Oscar-nominated masterpiece The Wind Rises, Isao Takahatas The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Gor? Miyazakis Earwig and the Witch and Hayao Miyazakis latest box office success, The Boy and the Heron.

Tension. Fear. Exhilaration. Atmospheric synthesizers. Youre in John Carpenter territory.One of the most iconic directors of American cinema John Carpenter has astonished audiences the world over with his tightly crafted horror, thriller and science-fiction films. Not just a director, Carpenters talents also extend to writing the screenplays and soundtracks to many of his films.From the existential comedy classic Dark Star through to the terrifying smash hit Halloween, the taut siege of Assault on Precinct 13 to the visceral Vampires theres action and tension all around. But its not all ghosts from The Fog or horrific mutations in The Thing, theres time for romance in the science-fiction road movie Starman and even for The King himself in the superior bio-pic Elvis - The Movie. John Carpenters films are always memorable, distinctive and unashamed of their genre roots.The John Carpenter Kamera Book explores his films and his work as a director, composer, writer and producer. It examines Carpenters influences and style and the films that have, in turn, been influenced by him. An indispensable guide to the ultimate cult auteur.

This guide to anime offers an overview of the art form, looking at its development in Japan and its export to other cultures. It includes a history of Japanese animation from early examples to the relaunch of animation as a viable commercial entity and its enormous rise in popularity after WWII. Anime explains the difference between manga and anime, offering a brief history of manga including its development from traditional art form (woodblock prints) to massive commercial success with millions of readers in Japan and worldwide.Odell and Le Blanc also consider anime style and genres, its market and importance in Japanese culture, and its perception in the West including controversy, such as criticisms of sex and violence in anime that affect other national markets, including the UK (notably Urotsukidoji) and the USA, where it is considered a kids only market.