Claire Denis is one of France's most acclaimed and original filmmakers. Since her remarkable debut success with 'Chocolat' (1986), she has produced an impressive series of features which have been intriguing, visually striking, and often highly controversial (including 'Beau Travail' (2000) and 'Trouble Every Day' (2001)). Beugnet provides a thematic and stylistic framework within which to consider Denis' work, as well as a comprehensive analysis of individual films. She highlights the resonance of Denis' films in relation to ongoing debates about French national identity and culture, and issues of postcolonial identity, alienation and transgression, as well as examining their exploration of the interface between sexuality, desire and sensuality. This is an essential introduction to Denis, and a sophisticated and illuminating study of her work to date.

For the last 50 years Jean-Luc Godard's innovative cinematic and video output has provoked and inspired fans, critics and academics. Reviewing this key film and video maker, the contributors to 'For Ever Godard' provide a new context for his body of work.

Lists significant international films, with brief plot summaries, critical analyses, and listings of producers, directors, and actors