Whether online or in print, there’s plenty of great information about film available for your perusal. Here, Quiet of the Matinee takes a look at some of the best blogs, websites and books that’ll help enrich your love of cinema…

Books
General
Movie Movements, James Clarke
This overview of some of the most important movements in cinema history is a must-read for film students. Both passionately written and hugely informative, it’s a gateway into some stunning films.
The Story Of Film, Mark Cousins
One of the best histories of cinema you’ll ever read, this exhaustive tome is at times taxing, but well worth the effort. A rich and rewarding experience.
The Good, The Bad and the Multiplex, Mark Kermode
The follow-up to Kermode’s autobiography It’s Only A Movie finds the critic taking aim on the problems with modern cinema. More biting and thought-provoking than its predecessor, it firmly establishes Kermode as one of Britain’s most important critics.
Film Art: An Introduction, David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson
The bible for film analysis, if you only have one book on your shelf, make sure it’s this one.
The Film Studies Reader, Peter Hutchings, Mark Jancovich, Joanne Hollows (eds)
A brilliant introduction into film studies that’s used at universities. In-depth without being too complex.
How to Read a Film, James Monaco
This is a great beginners’ guide that’ll give newcomers to film studies the arsenal they need to really get to grips with cinema. Another useful book for uni students.

Directors
Conversations With Wilder, Cameron Crowe
Fascinating and rare in-depth discussions with the director of Some Like It Hot and The Apartment. Crowe’s valiant efforts to get some solid information from the endearingly stubborn Wilder are a particular highlight.
Conversations With Scorsese, Richard Schickel
A bible, for both Scorsese and cinema fans. Scorsese and Schickel go into incredible detail about the director’s life and passions. What emerges is an engrossing and deeply personal portrait of one of America’s great directors.
Steven Spielberg, Joseph McBride
A brilliant biography that gives the reader valuable insight into the most successful director of all time without feeling intrusive. McBride’s storytelling talent is as honed as the subject himself.
Pocket Essentials: Steven Spielberg, James Clarke
One of the best of the Pocket Essentials line, James Clarke’s analysis of Steven Spielberg’s films shines a new light onto some already well documented movies. A vital read for anyone interested in or studying Spielberg’s works.

Venues
Cornerhouse Manchester
Manchester’s finest visual arts venues. Not just great cinema, but fantastic art too. Food’s nice as well.
British Film Institute
The British Film Institute. A vital establishment and one of the nicest theatres in the country.
National Media Museum
Based in Bradford, this is a fantastic museum for anyone with an interest in the visual arts. They hold regular lectures on film and have got a really nice IMAX screen too.
London Film Museum
Another great museum, this one based in London. Fantastic exhibits will leave you with a heighten appreciation for film history.

Websites
Film Studies for Free
A brilliant archive of links to great film essays. Indispensable stuff for anyone who wants to go a little deeper with their film watching.
Senses of Cinema
Senses of Cinema features a eclectic range of superb film essays and is a bit of an inspiration for this site. Well worth spending a few hours on.
Bright Lights Film Journal
A brilliant compendium of thought and analysis covering both film and television. One of the best on the web.
Cahiers du Cinema
The defining cinematic journal. Responsible for bringing critical kudos to Hitchcock and still one of the best in the world.
Film Comment
Another celebrated publication that takes a similarly significant look at cinema. Well worth a browse.
Sight and Sound
Esteemed publication of the British Film Institute and always a rewarding read. The best of British film writing can be found here.

Critics
David Bordwell
One of the great film critics with a fascinating and frequently updated website. Like a constant update to Film Art: An Introduction.
Roger Ebert
Regular reviews and features from America’s top critics. Ebert’s one of the most interesting film writers around, his opinions always well-expressed. This site reflects that. Two thumbs up.
Armond White
Not to everyone’s taste, but Armond White’s often controversial tastes are well-argued and pretty entertaining to read. You won’t always agree, but you’ll certainly be intrigued.
Jonathan Rosenbaum
One of the most renowned critics in the world, Rosenbaum’s writing is beautifully worded and persuasively argued. Even Godard likes him!

Distributors
Arrow Films
Artificial Eye
Entertainment Film Distributors
Lionsgate
Momentum Pictures
Studio Canal
Pathe
Revolver
Redbus