Oxford Dictionary of Film Studies By Annette Kuhn & Guy Westwell

Impressive for range and readability, this guide is mercifully weighted more towards movie business (Indiewood, exploitation films) and mechanics (long take, 180-degree rule) rather than the snooze-inducing terrain of semiotics.

Under "shooting ratio", we learn that Elaine May's Ishtar wasted 140 feet of film for every one used in the film, while "product placement" reveals that Marlboro paid $42,000 for 22 appearances of its fags in Superman II. An unusually absorbing reference work for students and film buffs alike. Cinema from Scotland to Senegal is well covered.