The Critical Eye: An Introduction to Looking at Movies, Third Edition Revised, prepares students to look beneath the surface of today's most pervasive and powerful form of art, entertainment, information and persuasion. How do movies communicate? How do viewers learn to "read" a film? Developing a critical eye means becoming visually literate: capable of understanding the narrative, visual and aural elements of film.

Using classic and contemporary film references, the textbook introduces the basics of the production process, terminology, key formal elements, critical methodology and theoretical questions raised by the visual media. All chapters have been updated with current practices - ranging from digital technology to distribution and exhibition - and their impact on modes of production, film language and film business.

The slim volume does not overwhelm students with hundreds of pages and details. Designed as a basic primer, The Critical Eye can supplement a broad range of film studies and production courses.