Both a history of film theory and an introduction to the work of the most important writers in the field, Major Film Theories compares the thought of such major theorists as Munsterberg, Arnheim, Eisenstein, Balazs, Kracauer, Bazin, Mitry, and Metz. Andrew places their theories in the context of larger intellectual movements, including Gestalt Psychology, Russian Formalism, and Existentialism.

"This history of film theory will enrich our discipline and remain an important source of both information and understanding for some time to come."--Quarterly Review of Film Studies "Andrew's guidebook...is the first in English to cover a relatively broad range of figures."--Sight and Sound "Sure to whet one's appetite for the contemporary French film theory of Mitry, Metz, Ayfre and Agel."--Film Criticism "The book is excellent."--Ivan Pedro Murily, Southern Illinois University "This history of film theory will enrich our discipline and remain an important source of both information and understanding for some time to come."--Quarterly Review of Film Studies "Andrew's guidebook...is the first in English to cover a relatively broad range of figures."--Sight and Sound "Sure to whet one's appetite for the contemporary French film theory of Mitry, Metz, Ayfre and Agel."--Film Criticism "The book is excellent."--Ivan Pedro Murily, Southern Illinois University